Generation of spatiotemporal calcium patterns by coupling a pH-oscillator to a complexation equilibrium

Abstract

Sustained spatiotemporal pH and calcium patterns are produced in a non-equilibrium inorganic reaction–diffusion system by coupling two modules, the bromate–sulfite–ferrocyanide pH-oscillator and the pH-sensitive complexation of Ca²⁺ by ethylenediaminetetraacetate. The development of chemical waves is mainly determined by the oscillatory module, however, the formation of the localised stationary patterns results in the synergistic interaction between the modules.