Database on mineral mediated carbon reduction: implications for future research

Prakash, Medha; Weber, Jessica M.; Rodriguez, Laura E.; Sheppard, Rachel Y.; Barge, Laura M.

doi:10.1017/s1473550422000052

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Overall, there is a need for prebiotically plausible metals and minerals with their associated organic compound products to be compiled [59]. Each addition of metal or mineral was able to produce a wide range of small organic products with 1 H-NMR spectra peaks following the trends of upfield and shielded molecules, and identification of exact product differences may warrant more exploration.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED: Metal Catalysis Acting on Nitriles in Early Earth Hydrothermal Systems

Sturtz

House

2023

Life

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Hydrothermal systems are areas in which heated fluids and organic molecules rush through basaltic material rich in metals and minerals. By studying malononitrile and acetonitrile, we examine the effects of metal and mineral nanoparticles on nitrile compounds in anoxic, hydrothermal conditions representing a prebiotic environment of early Earth. Polymerization, reduction, cyclization, and a phenomenon colloquially known as ‘chemical gardening’ (structure building via reprecipitation of metal compounds or complexing with organics) are all potential outcomes with the addition of metals and minerals. Reduction occurs with the addition of rhodium (Rh) or iron (II) sulfide (FeS), with positive identification of ethanol and ethylamine forming from acetonitrile reduction. We find that polymerization and insoluble product formation were associated with oxide minerals, metallic nickel (Ni), and metallic cobalt (Co) acting as catalysts. Oxide minerals strongly promoted polymerization into insoluble, tar-like products of nitriles. FeS, iron-nickel alloy (FeNi), and rhodium are unique cases that appear to act as reagents by actively participating in chemical gardening without returning to their initial state. Further, FeS tentatively had a phase change into the mineral parabutlerite. This research aims to identify metals and metal minerals that could best serve nitrile catalysis and reactions on early Earth.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED: Metal Catalysis Acting on Nitriles in Early Earth Hydrothermal Systems

Sturtz

House

2023

Life

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Understanding the Role of Layered Minerals in the Emergence and Preservation of Proto-Proteins and Detection of Traces of Early Life

Stewart,

Erastova

2024

Acc. Chem. Res.

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Conspectus The origin of life remains one of the most profound mysteries in science. Over millennia, theories have evolved, yet the question persists: How did life emerge from inanimate matter? At its core, the study of life’s origin offers insights into our place in the universe and the nature of life itself. By delving into the chemical and geological processes that led to life’s emergence, scientists gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that govern living systems. This knowledge not only expands our scientific understanding but also has profound implications for fields ranging from astrobiology to synthetic biology. This research employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining a diverse array of techniques, from space missions to wet laboratory experiments to theoretical modeling. Investigations into the formation of the first proto-biomolecules are tailored to explore both the complex molecular processes that underpin life and the geological contexts in which these processes may have occurred. While laboratory experiments are aimed at mimicking the processes of early planets, not every process and sample is attainable. To this end, we demonstrate the use of molecular modeling techniques to complement experimental efforts and extraterrestrial missions. The simulations enable researchers to test hypotheses and explore scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate in the laboratory, bridging gaps in our understanding of prebiotic processes across vast time and space scales. Minerals, particularly layered structures like clays and hydrotalcites, play diverse and pivotal roles in the origin of life. They concentrate organic species, catalyze polymerization reactions (such as peptide formation), and provide protective environments for the molecules. Minerals have also been suggested to have acted as primitive genetic materials. Nevertheless, they may lack the ability for long-term information replication. Instead, we suggest that minerals may act as transcribers of information encoded in environmental cyclic phenomena, such as tidal or seasonal changes. We argue that extensive protection of the produced polymer will immobilize it, making it inactive for any further function. Therefore, in order to generate a functional polymer, it is essential that it remains mobile and chemically active. Furthermore, we suggest a route to the identification of pseudobiosignatures, a polymer that was polymerized on the same mineral surface and consequently retained through overprotection. This Account presents a comprehensive evaluation of the current understanding of the role of layered mineral surfaces on life’s origin and biosignature preservation. It highlights the complexity of mineral-organic interactions and proposes pathways for proto-biomolecule emergence and methods for identifying and interpreting potential biosignatures. Ultimately, the quest to uncover the origin of life continues to drive scientific exploration and innovation, offering profound insights into the fundamental nature of exi...

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Database on mineral mediated carbon reduction: implications for future research

Cited by 2 publications

References 153 publications

RETRACTED: Metal Catalysis Acting on Nitriles in Early Earth Hydrothermal Systems

RETRACTED: Metal Catalysis Acting on Nitriles in Early Earth Hydrothermal Systems

Understanding the Role of Layered Minerals in the Emergence and Preservation of Proto-Proteins and Detection of Traces of Early Life

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