Serotonergic mechanisms in proteinoid-based protocells

Mougkogiannis, Panagiotis; Adamatzky, Andrew

Abstract

This study examines the effects of incorporating serotonin (5-HT) into proteinoid microspheres. It looks at the microspheres' structure and electrochemical properties. Proteinoid-serotonin assemblies have better symmetry and membrane organization than pristine proteinoids. Cyclic voltammetry shows a big boost in electron transfer. This is proven by a smaller peak separation and higher electrochemical efficiency. SEM imaging shows a distinct core−shell structure and uniform density. This suggests ordered molecular assembly. These findings show that serotonin changes proteinoid self-assembly. It creates structured systems with better electron transfer pathways. The serotonin-modified proto-neurons show new properties. They give insights into early cellular organization and signaling. This helps us understand prebiotic information processing systems.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 9, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2025
• Print ISSN: 1948-7193
• Publisher: American Chemical Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00801
• Keywords: consciousness; proteinoids; protocells; serotonin; paroxetine; neurotransmitters; origin of life; artificial cells; primordial soup; protocellular consciousness
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13634353