On Non-ideal Chemical-Reaction Networks and Phase Separation

Much of the theory on chemical-reaction networks (CRNs) has been developed in ideal-solution limit, where interactions between solutes are negligible. However, there is a large variety phenomena biological cells and soft-matter physics which appear to deviate from behaviour. Particularly striking case liquid-liquid phase separation, typically caused by inter-particle interactions. Here, we revisit number known results domain ideal CRNs, generalise adapt them arbitrary stem given free energy. Among these form steady-state probability distribution Lyapunov functions for complex-balanced networks, creation annihilation rates equal all chemical complexes as reactants or products CRN. Finally, draw diagram reaction-diffusion solutions based minimisation such function with rationale similar that equilibrium thermodynamics, but systems may sustain non-equilibrium currents at steady state. Nevertheless, find not sufficient create diffusion