Membrane Structure Drives Synchronization Patterns in Arrays of Diffusively Coupled Self-Oscillating Droplets

Networks of diffusively coupled inorganic oscillators, confined in nano- and micro-compartments are effective to predict and understand the global dynamics of those systems where the diffusion of activatory or inhibitory signals regulates the communication among different individuals. By taking advantage of a microfluidic device, we study the dynamics of arrays of diffusively-coupled Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) oscillators encapsulated in water-in-oil single emulsions. New synchronization patterns are induced and controlled by modulating the structural and chemical properties of the phospholipid-based biomimetic membranes it via the introduction of specific dopants that do not alter their basic backbone but modify the membrane lamellarity (and, in turn, their permeability) or interact chemically with the reaction intermediates. A transition from 2-period clusters showing 1:2 period-locking to 1-period antiphase synchronization is observed by decreasing the membrane lamellarity. An unsynchronized scenario is found when the dopant is able to interfere with chemical communication by reacting with the chemical messengers.