Mechanistic Insights into the Phase Separation Behavior and Pathway-Directed Information Exchange in all-DNA Droplets

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Origin of Life Research

Background:

• Liquid-liquid phase separation is key for creating cell-mimicking coacervates.
• Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) can form protocells and microgels via phase separation, but the mechanism is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism of metal-dependent ssDNA phase separation.
• To utilize this understanding for controlled fabrication of all-DNA droplets and protocells.

Main Methods:

• Investigated metal ion (Ca2+, Mg2+) effects on ssDNA phase separation.
• Identified distinct phase separation temperatures for nucleation and growth.
• Characterized the reversibility and irreversibility of phase separation dynamics.

Main Results:

• Discovered metal-dependent mechanisms governing ssDNA phase separation.
• Ca2+ induces irreversible separation, while Mg2+ promotes reversible separation.
• Controlled formation of one-component DNA droplets and two-component core-shell protocells.

Conclusions:

• Mechanistic insights into metal-dependent ssDNA phase separation were achieved.
• This enables precise control over DNA droplet formation and information transfer.
• Introduced new kinetic traps in phase-separating ssDNA for novel cell-mimicking systems.