The soft and wet machines of life emerged as the spatially enclosed ensemble of biomolecules with replicating capabilities integrated with metabolic reaction cycles that operate at far-from-equilibrium. A thorough step-by-step synthetic integration of these elements, namely metabolic and replicative properties all confined and operating far-from-equilibrium, can set the stage from which we can ask questions related to the construction of chemical-based evolving systems with living matter-like properties — a monumental endeavour of systems chemistry. The overarching concept of this Review maps the discoveries on this possible integration of reaction networks, self-reproduction and compartmentalization under non-equilibrium conditions. We deconvolute the events of reaction networks and transient compartmentalization and extend the discussion towards self-reproducing systems that can be sustained under non-equilibrium conditions. Although enormous challenges lie ahead in terms of molecular diversity, information transfer, adaptation and selection that are required for open-ended evolution, emerging strategies to generate minimal metabolic cycles can extend our growing understanding of the chemical emergence of the biosphere of Earth.

生命的柔软和潮湿的机器作为空间封闭的生物分子集合出现，具有复制能力，与在远非平衡状态下运行的代谢反应循环相结合。这些元素（即代谢和复制特性）的彻底、逐步的合成整合，都受到限制并在远非平衡的情况下运行，可以奠定基础，让我们可以提出与构建具有类似生命物质特性的化学进化系统相关的问题——这是系统化学的一项巨大努力。本综述的总体概念描绘了在非平衡条件下反应网络、自我繁殖和区室化的这种可能整合的发现。我们解开了反应网络和瞬态区室化事件的复杂化，并将讨论扩展到可以在非平衡条件下维持的自繁殖系统。尽管在开放式进化所需的分子多样性、信息传递、适应和选择方面面临巨大挑战，但产生最小代谢周期的新兴策略可以扩展我们对地球生物圈化学出现的日益理解。