The Prebiotic Gel Hypothesis: A New Perspective on the Origins of Life on Earth

An international consortium of scientists has recently unveiled the "prebiotic gel-first" concept, a revolutionary theory suggesting that the dawn of life on Earth occurred within viscous, gel-like substances adhered to rock surfaces rather than inside cellular structures. This research, published in the prestigious journal ChemSystemsChem in November 2025, proposes a fundamental shift in the study of abiogenesis. By focusing on the physical matrix as a vital catalyst, the study highlights how these early environments fostered the chemical complexity necessary for life to begin.

The research team, comprising experts from Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Germany, was co-led by Professor Tony Z. Jia from Hiroshima University. The scientists argue that these primitive gels operated much like modern microbial biofilms, creating a protected and concentrated sanctuary for early chemical evolution. These surface-attached gel matrices likely solved several persistent problems in prebiotic chemistry, most notably the issue of molecular dilution and the requirement for a stable buffer against volatile external environments.

By effectively trapping and organizing essential precursor molecules, these sticky, semi-solid architectures provided the localized conditions required for the development of protometabolism and self-replication. Professor Jia emphasized that, unlike traditional theories that prioritize the evolution of biomolecules in isolation, their framework integrates the indispensable role of gels at the very start of the biological timeline. This interdisciplinary study involved the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and the University of Duisburg-Essen, bridging the gap between soft matter chemistry and contemporary biological observations.

The ambitious project received backing from several prominent organizations, including the University of Leeds, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the Mizuho Foundation. In the broader context of astrobiology, the researchers have also hypothesized the existence of "Xeno-films" on other celestial bodies. These structures, potentially formed from non-terrestrial building blocks, suggest that the search for extraterrestrial life should broaden its scope to include organized gel-based systems alongside standard biological markers.

To further validate their findings, the team is preparing a series of laboratory simulations designed to replicate the harsh conditions of the early Earth, including high-intensity ultraviolet radiation. This "prebiotic gel-first" model offers a distinct alternative to the classic "primordial soup" hypothesis, which focuses on self-organization within a liquid solution. Instead, the focus here is on surface-bound environments that offered physical organization and protection long before the first cellular boundaries ever formed.

Ultimately, this research addresses one of the most complex stages of abiogenesis: the transition from simple chemical mixtures to organized, self-sustaining systems. By providing a stable physical medium for chemical complexification, these prebiotic gels may have been the missing link in the evolutionary chain. The study suggests that the sticky surfaces of ancient rocks were not merely passive backdrops but were active participants in the chemical journey that eventually led to the diversity of life we see today.