Simulations. Simula�ons were performed using Matlab ®. Trajectories depicted in Fig. and Fig. are simulated using numerical integra�on. In our model, the rates of concentra�on changes are based on the consump�on, the produc�on, and the con�nuous in-and ou�low of the species in the network. The concentra�on of phenol red was calculated using the standard Henderson-Hasselbalch equa�on (log A -/HA=pH-pKa) between each �meinterval of the numerical integra�on. The model was further used to define the delay �me as the �me required to recover 50% of the 'ini�al system' and to examine the influence of pH and flow in the network. For further details, see Suppor�ng Informa�on, S4.