Life as Controlled Rust: A Theory of Oxidized Carbon Membranes

This paper proposes a novel theory that redefines life as a self-expanding oxidized carbon membrane—a structural phenomenon analogous to rust, but occurring in hydrocarbons. Originating from hydrocarbon films adsorbed on submerged mineral surfaces, these membranes evolve through partial oxidation, phosphorylation, and sulfur bridging. The resulting structures are stabilized by sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N), enabling them to maintain an intermediate oxidation state between fully reduced hydrocarbons and fully oxidized carbon dioxide. Life, in this view, emerges not from genetic information but from the dynamic stabilization of oxidized matter, offering a new framework for prebiotic chemistry, biomimetic engineering, and astrobiology. Author : Tetsuo Konno(今野哲夫)