Physicochemical Characterization of Polymer-Stabilized Coacervate Protocells

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Chemical Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Protocells are synthetic cell mimics with functional biochemical processes.
• Cytosolic crowding in living cells affects macromolecular properties like diffusion and catalysis.
• Complex coacervates offer a promising model for mimicking crowded cellular interiors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the physicochemical properties of polymer-stabilized coacervate protocells.
• To evaluate their suitability as models for studying cellular biochemical processes.
• To engineer selective protein cargo loading into these protocells.

Main Methods:

• Investigated macromolecular diffusion within the coacervate phase versus dilute solutions.
• Assessed the buffering capacity and membrane molecular organization of the coacervates.
• Determined membrane permeability and studied a model enzymatic reaction within the protocells.
• Engineered coacervate or cargo charge for selective protein encapsulation.

Main Results:

• Characterized diffusion, buffering, membrane organization, and permeability of coacervate protocells.
• Demonstrated the behavior of an enzymatic reaction within the coacervate environment.
• Achieved selective protein loading by manipulating charge interactions.

Conclusions:

• Polymer-stabilized coacervate protocells exhibit desirable properties for mimicking cellular environments.
• These protocells provide stable, tunable, and cell-like conditions for biochemical research.
• They are attractive candidates for investigating biological processes in controlled, artificial systems.