We employ model protocell networks for evaluation of molecular transport through lipid nanotubes as potential means of communication among primitive cells on the early Earth. Network formation is initiated by deposition of multilamellar lipid reservoirs onto a silicon oxide surface in an aqueous environment. These reservoirs autonomously develop into surface-adhered protocells interconnected via lipid nanotubes, and encapsulate solutes from the ambient buffer in the process. We prepare networks in the presence of DNA and RNA and observe encapsulation of these molecules, and their diffusive transport between the lipid compartments via the interconnecting nanotubes. By means of an analytical model we determine key physical parameters affecting the transport, such as nanotube diameter and compartment size. We conclude that nanotube-mediated transport in self-organized nanotube-vesicle networks could have been a possible pathway of chemical communication between primitive, self-assembled protocells under early earth conditions, circumventing the necessity for crossing the membrane barrier. We suggest this transport within a closed protocell network as a feasible means of RNA and DNA exchange under primitive prebiotic conditions, possibly facilitating early replication.

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通过隧道纳米管在原始细胞之间传输

我们采用模型原始细胞网络来评估通过脂质纳米管进行的分子运输，作为早期地球原始细胞之间潜在的通信手段。网络形成是由多层脂质储层在水性环境中沉积到氧化硅表面开始的。这些水库自主发展成表面粘附的原始细胞，通过脂质纳米管相互连接，并在此过程中封装来自环境缓冲液的溶质。我们在 DNA 和 RNA 存在的情况下制备网络，并观察这些分子的封装，以及它们通过互连纳米管在脂质隔室之间的扩散运输。通过分析模型，我们确定影响传输的关键物理参数，例如纳米管直径和隔室大小。我们得出结论，自组织纳米管-囊泡网络中纳米管介导的传输可能是早期地球条件下原始自组装原始细胞之间化学通讯的可能途径，从而绕过了穿越膜屏障的必要性。我们建议这种在封闭原始细胞网络内的运输作为原始益生元条件下 RNA 和 DNA 交换的可行手段，可能促进早期复制。