Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions
Published on: July 28, 2022
Tuning interfacial fluidity and colloidal stability of membranized coacervate protocells
Yanglimin Ji1,2, Yan Qiao3,4
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The cell membrane not only serves as the boundary between the cell's interior and the external environment but also plays a crucial role in regulating fundamental cellular behaviours. Interfacial membranization of membraneless coacervates, formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), represents a reliable approach to constructing hierarchical cell-like entities known as protocells. In this study, we demonstrate the capability to modulate the interfacial membrane fluidity and thickness of dextran-bound coacervate protocells by adjusting the molecular weight of dextran or utilizing dextranase-catalyzed hydrolysis. This modulation allows for rational control over colloidal stability, interfacial molecular transport and cell-protocell interactions. Our work opens a new avenue for surface engineering of coacervate protocells, enabling the establishment of cell-mimicking structures and behaviours.
Related Concept Videos
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is...
Colloidal precipitates
Fluid Mosaic Model
Colloids
Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with...

