Nucleation Kinetics Reveals a Distinct Biological Function Space of Biomolecular Condensates

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Physical chemistry

Background:

• Biomolecular condensates are essential for cellular functions.
• Controlling their assembly, size, and surface-volume ratio is critical.
• Quantitative nucleation rate measurements are challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure nucleation rates of biomolecular condensates.
• To investigate the reverse process of void formation within condensates.
• To identify the physical parameters controlling these processes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microfluidics for precise control and measurement.
• Measured nucleation rates of dense liquid phases from dilute solutions.
• Measured rates of void formation within condensates.

Main Results:

• Both nucleation and void formation are governed by interfacial tension.
• A single physical parameter controls both forward and reverse nucleation.
• Rapid nucleation is a general characteristic of condensates.

Conclusions:

• Interfacial tension dictates condensate nucleation dynamics.
• Condensate nucleation differs fundamentally from solid crystallization.
• This provides insight into the unique biophysical principles of condensate function.