Self-transformation and structural reconfiguration in coacervate-based protocells.

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Protocells are key to understanding the origin of life, requiring dynamic self-assembly and transformation capabilities.
• Developing synthetic protocells with adaptive structures is crucial for creating advanced biomimetic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer pH-triggered self-transforming protocells using functionalized dipeptides and polymers.
• To investigate the structural reconfiguration of coacervate micro-droplets into complex architectures.
• To explore the potential for creating reconfigurable chemical micro-ensembles.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of polymer-dipeptide coacervate micro-droplets at pH 8.5 using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and a functionalized dipeptide.
• Controlled pH reduction to 4.5 to induce self-transformation and structural reconfiguration.
• Characterization of the resulting aster-like micro-architectures and hydrogel formation.

Main Results:

• Coacervate micro-droplets transformed into discrete aster-like structures upon pH decrease.
• Structural reconfiguration led to the formation of an interpenetrating fibrous network.
• The network subsequently developed into a polymer-containing dipeptide hydrogel.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated a novel method for creating pH-responsive synthetic protocells.
• Showcased rudimentary aspects of metamorphosis in synthetic systems.
• Offered a new approach for designing and constructing soft, reconfigurable chemical micro-ensembles.