Dynamic analysis and control of biochemical reaction networks

In the present work, we combine the concepts and tools from Irreversible Thermodynamics and Control Theory in a contribution to unravel the origin of complex nonlinear behaviour in biochemical networks. Regarding cells as thermodynamic systems, we can consider dynamic evolution of intracellular processes in terms of the combined action of an endogenous entropy production and the entropy flux associated to chemicals passing through the control volume. Based on a generalized description of biochemical systems, a physically motivated storage function is constructed and used for stability analysis. In this way, the entropy flux of open systems can be meaningfully modified by efficient nonlinear control schemes capable of network stabilization, and irreversible thermodynamics provide us with the physical insight to further interpret the controlled response.