Fatty Acid-Based Coacervates as a Membrane-free Protocell Model.

Area of Science:

• Origin of Life Research
• Biomimetic Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Liquid-liquid phase separation (coacervation) offers insights into pre-cellular life.
• Understanding protocell emergence requires models that mimic early cellular compartmentalization.
• Fatty acids and biomolecules are key components in abiogenesis hypotheses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile, membrane-less protocell model using coacervation.
• To investigate the self-assembly dynamics and stability of fatty acid-dopamine coacervates.
• To explore the potential of these coacervates in linking simple and complex molecular systems.

Main Methods:

• Coacervate formation by mixing fatty acid and dopamine over a wide concentration range.
• Assessment of solute encapsulation capabilities (cationic, anionic, hydrophobic dyes).
• Investigation of self-assembly control via environmental factors (pH, temperature, salinity) and bioreactions.
• Enhancement of coacervate stability through in situ dopamine polymerization.

Main Results:

• Coacervate droplets readily formed and effectively concentrated diverse solutes.
• Reversible self-assembly cycles (compartmentalization/non-compartmentalization) were achieved by tuning conditions.
• In situ polymerization significantly improved coacervate droplet stability and resistance to external factors.

Conclusions:

• Fatty acid-dopamine coacervates represent a promising membrane-less protocell model.
• This model facilitates the study of early cellular compartmentalization and molecular evolution.
• The system bridges the gap between simple small molecules and complex macromolecules in abiogenesis research.