Catanionic Coacervate Droplets as a Surfactant-Based Membrane-Free Protocell Model.

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Surface Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Surfactant-based coacervates represent a promising class of soft matter with potential applications in compartmentalization.
• Understanding the formation and properties of complex coacervates is crucial for developing novel functional materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation and characteristics of catanionic coacervate droplets using specific surfactant mixtures.
• To explore the solute encapsulation capabilities and structural stabilization of these coacervates.
• To evaluate their potential as membrane-free protocell models.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of catanionic coacervate droplets from decanoic acid and selected cationic surfactants (cetylpyridinium chloride or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide).
• Characterization of coacervation conditions (composition, pH, ionic strength).
• Assessment of solute sequestration (dyes, polysaccharides, proteins, enzymes, DNA) and structural stabilization using hydrogelation (sodium alginate, gelatin).

Main Results:

• Catanionic coacervates formed readily over a wide range of conditions.
• The coacervates are composed of elongated micelles.
• They effectively sequester diverse solutes, including biomolecules like proteins and DNA.
• Structural stabilization was achieved using sodium alginate or gelatin.

Conclusions:

• Surfactant-based catanionic coacervates are versatile and form under broad conditions.
• These coacervates demonstrate significant potential for encapsulating a wide array of molecules.
• They represent a promising platform for developing novel, membrane-free protocell models for various applications.