Professor Yongdong Jin of Shenzhen University has put forward a new hypothesis explaining how chemical evolution leading to the emergence of life could have begun on early Earth. According to him, mineral nanoparticles with properties similar to biological enzymes played a key role in this process.

The study was published in the journal Research.

The nanozyme hypothesis

The scientist introduced the concept of nanozymes — mineral nanoparticles capable of catalyzing chemical reactions. According to his model, on early Earth, such particles, composed of metals, metal oxides, and sulfides, actively participated in the conversion of simple gases from the primordial atmosphere into complex organic compounds.

Nanozymes could have used energy from sunlight, geothermal heat, and electrical discharges to initiate and accelerate reactions. At the same time, they performed several functions simultaneously: protecting the forming molecules from harsh ultraviolet radiation, concentrating reagents on their surfaces, and facilitating the natural selection of the most stable chemical structures.

In essence, the process resembled a primitive "inorganic photosynthesis" that could gradually lead to the emergence of the first molecules capable of storing and reproducing information — one of the fundamental signatures of life.

Why this is important

Yongdong Jin's hypothesis does not overturn existing theories (including the famous "primordial soup" or the role of hydrothermal vents) but rather proposes a unifying mechanism. It helps link individual stages of prebiotic chemistry into a more coherent picture.

The scientist emphasizes that mineral nanoparticles could have become a natural "bridge" between non-living matter and the first protobiological systems.

Prospects

For now, the hypothesis remains theoretical. Laboratory experiments that replicate the conditions of early Earth and show how effectively mineral nanoparticles can catalyze the formation of key biomolecules are needed for its confirmation.

If Jin's conclusions are confirmed, it would be an important step toward understanding exactly how life arose on our planet and how likely this process is on other celestial bodies.

In brief

Chinese scientist Yongdong Jin has proposed the "nanozyme" hypothesis, according to which mineral nanoparticles in ancient oceans could have acted as natural catalysts and triggered the formation of the first organic molecules. These particles accelerated reactions, protected molecules from ultraviolet radiation, and promoted the selection of stable structures. The hypothesis unites different stages of chemical evolution and offers a new explanation for the transition from non-living matter to life. The work was published in the journal Research.