Energy and Matter Supply for Active Droplets

Chemically active droplets provide simple models for cell-like systems that can grow and divide. Such droplet are driven away from thermodynamic equilibrium turn over chemically, which corresponds to a metabolism. We consider two scenarios of non-equilibrium driving. First, via the system boundaries by external reservoirs supply nutrient remove waste (boundary-driven). Second, chemical energy provided fuel in bulk (bulk-driven). For both scenarios, we discuss conservation matter as well balance entropy. use conserved non-conserved fields analyze steady states droplets. Using an effective model, explore stability instabilities leading division. Our work reveals division occurs quite generally systems. results suggest life-like processes such metabolism emerge combine physics phase separation reactions.