Chemically Powered Synthetic “Living” Systems

Synthetic chemically powered active matter aims to reproduce many of the salient features of out-of-equilibrium living systems. These include exhibiting emergent properties and complex functions based on interactions with each other and the environment. In this perspective, we focus on some of the principal achievements to date, their significance, and their possible applications. We also outline several future challenges, such as designing memory and evolution into active systems and engineering “living” chimeras, which are hybrid systems involving communication and interaction between living and synthetic active matter.