Self-Emergent Protocells Generated in an Aqueous Solution with Binary Macromolecules through Liquid-Liquid Phase...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a key mechanism for forming intracellular microstructures.
• LLPS involves nonspecific interactions, enabling compartmentalization and parallel chemical reactions within cells.
• Understanding LLPS is crucial for comprehending cellular organization and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spontaneous formation of cell-sized liposomes using LLPS.
• To explore the role of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dextran in creating microstructures.
• To demonstrate the self-organization of phospholipid-wrapped DNA microdroplets.

Main Methods:

• Utilized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dextran in aqueous solutions to induce LLPS.
• Incorporated phospholipids to observe liposome formation within the phase-separated system.
• Analyzed the self-assembly of DNA-containing microdroplets.

Main Results:

• LLPS was successfully generated through the depletion effect of PEG and dextran.
• Cell-sized liposomes spontaneously formed in the aqueous solution.
• Self-organized, cell-like microdroplets entrapping DNA wrapped in phospholipids were observed.

Conclusions:

• LLPS provides a viable route for the spontaneous generation of cell-sized liposomes and complex microstructures.
• This system demonstrates a novel method for encapsulating DNA within phospholipid layers.
• The findings highlight the potential of LLPS in creating artificial cell-like compartments for biochemical applications.