Tuning Interfacial Fluidity and Colloidal Stability of Membranized Coacervate Protocells

Overview

Journal Commun Chem

Publisher Springer Nature

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2024 Jun 3

PMID 38831043

Authors

Yanglimin Ji

Yan Qiao

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The cell membrane not only serves as the boundary between the cell's interior and the external environment but also plays a crucial role in regulating fundamental cellular behaviours. Interfacial membranization of membraneless coacervates, formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), represents a reliable approach to constructing hierarchical cell-like entities known as protocells. In this study, we demonstrate the capability to modulate the interfacial membrane fluidity and thickness of dextran-bound coacervate protocells by adjusting the molecular weight of dextran or utilizing dextranase-catalyzed hydrolysis. This modulation allows for rational control over colloidal stability, interfacial molecular transport and cell-protocell interactions. Our work opens a new avenue for surface engineering of coacervate protocells, enabling the establishment of cell-mimicking structures and behaviours.

Citing Articles

Coacervation in systems chemistry.

Leon L, Santiago G, Spruijt E Commun Chem. 2024; 7(1):275.

PMID: 39578544 PMC: 11584801. DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01358-1.

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