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Sequence-Controlled Adhesion and Microemulsification in a Two-Phase System of DNA Liquid Droplets
Byoung-Jin Jeon1, Dan T Nguyen2, Omar A Saleh1,2
1Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93110, United States.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|September 22, 2020
Summary
Scientists created a synthetic liquid-phase separation system using DNA nanostars. This system allows for controlled organization of intracellular components, mimicking cellular processes and enabling targeted solute delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Synthetic Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Membrane-less organelles organize cellular components via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).
- Understanding and replicating LLPS in vitro is crucial for cellular organization studies and applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a synthetic multiphase LLPS system using DNA nanostars.
- To control droplet formation, immiscibility, adhesion, and solute targeting within the system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized self-assembled DNA nanostars with specific overhangs for droplet formation.
- Employed orthogonal overhangs to create immiscible DNA droplets.
- Introduced cross-linker nanostars to tune droplet adhesion and surface tension.
- Investigated solute targeting by labeling with complementary sticky-ends.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the creation of two immiscible DNA droplet types via orthogonal overhangs.
- Showcased tunable droplet adhesion and surface tension, leading to microemulsion transitions with cross-linkers.
- Achieved controlled adhesion using weakly hybridizing overhangs.
- Successfully targeted solutes to specific DNA phases through sticky-end labeling.
Conclusions:
- Developed a controllable synthetic multiphase LLPS system based on DNA nanostars.
- Sequence design of DNA components allows precise control over mesoscale configuration and phase behavior.
- This system serves as a model for intracellular organization and has potential for in vitro applications.
