Zihue Lu

Traditional chemical theories often fall short when describing living systems, which operate far from equilibrium. This talk introduces two novel frameworks that incorporate time-dependent processes into non-equilibrium thermodynamics, aiming to bridge the gap between inert and living matter. (1) We reveal how certain catalytic reaction networks can perform counter-intuitive tasks under dynamically changing environments, such as inverting a spontaneous reaction, which is impossible in steady states. This theory provides a completely new dynamic perspective in the design of novel catalysts, without the traditional requirements of lowering activation energies. (2) We present a universal linear response theory for non-equilibrium time-dependent processes. This new theory breaks the near-equilibrium requirements of linear response theory, allowing us to understand and design complex environmental responsiveness in time-dependent biochemical processes arbitrary far from equilibrium. By inviting time back into thermodynamics, these theoretical frameworks offer new approaches to understanding living matter and designing life-like materials.

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