Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
16:24
Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
19.3K
Sticker-Spacer Molecular Design Controls Coacervate Formation and Internal Microenvironments in Low-Molecular-Weight
Sayuri L Higashi1,2,3, Koichiro M Hirosawa4,5, Ryutaro Fujimoto6
1Institute of Advanced Study, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
JACS Au
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed simple coacervates from low-molecular-weight compounds for biomaterials. These coacervates can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs and release them on demand, offering new possibilities for soft materials and protocell models.
Area of Science:
- Soft Matter Physics
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Coacervates are potential protocells, with recent focus on low-molecular-weight (LMW) compounds for biomaterial development.
- LMW coacervates offer simple in vitro models for biomolecular condensates and functional biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a modular molecular design for LMW coacervates via liquid-liquid phase separation.
- To explore the properties and applications of these novel coacervates, including drug delivery and stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Designed LMW compounds with aromatic/cycloalkane stickers and hydrophilic spacers for phase separation.
- Investigated coacervate formation, internal microenvironment, and selective sequestration of guest molecules.
- Demonstrated controlled drug release using reduction-responsive coacervates and stabilization with polysaccharides.
Main Results:
- LMW compounds self-assembled into micrometer-scale coacervates at submillimolar concentrations.
- Coacervates exhibited a hydrophobic internal microenvironment, selectively sequestering hydrophobic molecules.
- Reduction-responsive coacervates enabled controlled drug release, and polysaccharide addition stabilized them against coalescence.
Conclusions:
- A rational molecular design enables the construction of modulable LMW coacervates.
- These coacervates show potential as biofunctional soft materials and platforms for protocell models.
- Tailoring sticker groups allows fine-tuning of coacervate microenvironments and properties.
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