Serotonergic Mechanisms in Proteinoid-Based Protocells.

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.