Recent advances in coacervate protocells from passive catalysts to chemically programmable systems

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Origin of Life Studies

Background:

• Coacervate droplets have been studied as protocell models, primarily for their ability to concentrate reactants.
• A paradigm shift is occurring, viewing these droplets as chemically programmable matter with information processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in coacervate droplet research as protocell models.
• To highlight the transition from passive microreactors to chemically programmable systems capable of lifelike behaviors.

Main Methods:

• The review utilizes an "Input → Written State → Output" workflow.
• Advances are discussed through three operational pillars: local reactivity control, writing internal states, and external readouts.

Main Results:

• Local reactivity control: Microenvironment directs reaction pathways and enzyme organization, with feedback loops regulating droplet state.
• Writing internal states: Droplets function as stimuli-addressable chemical memory with selectivity, latency, and erasability.
• External readouts: Internal states are transduced into programmed cargo release and intercellular signaling.

Conclusions:

• Coacervate droplets offer a toolkit for engineering higher-order, cooperative architectures with lifelike functions.
• Future perspectives include directing the evolution of protocell populations and collective behaviors, moving beyond deterministic functions.