Scale-dependent analysis of structure and electrical activity in kombucha mats and proteinoid–actin assemblies

This study examines, in detail, the scale-dependent properties and activity patterns in two systems: kombucha cultures and proteinoid-actin networks. These systems have complex features. Our analysis shows that their self-similarity may not be a true fractal at all scales. The kombucha pellicle is not fractal in shape. However, it shows electrical activity with a fractal-like pattern. In contrast, proteinoid-actin assemblies have hierarchical clustering. But they lack consistent self-similarity at different scales. Both systems show nonlinear thermosensory responses. Temperature changes induce complex behavioural and structural changes. The electrical activity in kombucha cultures shows chaotic dynamics. It is sensitive to initial conditions and has self-organized criticality. This study on kombucha cultures and proteinoid-actin networks offers new insights. It highlights the key difference between fractal-like patterns and true fractal geometry in biological systems. The research shows that complex organization and varying electrical activity can occur without self-similarity at every scale. It distinguishes true fractal organization from complex hierarchies in biological and prebiotic systems. These findings enhance our understanding of complex biology. They may contribute to our understanding of biomimetic materials science and synthetic biology. This is especially true for the role of electrical activity patterns in self-organizing systems.