Active Armoring of Protocell Condensates with Metal-Phenolic Networks

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Synthetic Biology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Peptide-based condensates are crucial in biological systems but lack stability and protection against chemical agents.
• Developing functional protocell models requires robust encapsulation and controlled permeability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) for removable membranization of peptide condensates.
• To assess the protective capabilities and tunable properties of MPN membranes against chemical threats.
• To explore the potential of MPN-coated condensates as functional protocell models.

Main Methods:

• Formation of metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) using ferric ion (Fe3+) and tannic acid.
• Coating of poly-L-lysine and adenosine triphosphate condensates with MPN membranes.
• Exposure of coated and uncoated condensates to Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) to evaluate protective effects.
• Analysis of condensate stability, membrane permeability, and TCEP oxidation using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• MPN membranes significantly enhanced the structural stability and fusion resistance of peptide condensates.
• MPN membranes acted as sacrificial layers, protecting condensates from the reducing agent TCEP, while unprotected condensates dissolved.
• NMR spectroscopy confirmed TCEP oxidation within MPN-protected condensates, rendering it non-harmful.
• Tunable membrane thickness allowed for selective permeability, mimicking biological membranes.

Conclusions:

• MPN membranization offers a versatile strategy for stabilizing and protecting peptide condensates.
• The redox-active nature of MPNs enables controlled membrane formation, disassembly, and protection from chemical agents.
• MPN-coated condensates serve as stable, functional protocell models with potential applications in synthetic biology and prebiotic chemistry.