Protocells with hierarchical structures as regulated by liquid–liquid and liquid–solid phase separations

Jing, Hairong; Chang, Haojing; Lin, Yanan; Bai, Qingwen; Liang, Dehai

doi:10.1039/d0cc04432f

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…It is known that PLL and double-stranded DNA undergo liquid−solid phase separation to form precipitates, and PLL and singlestranded DNA undergo liquid−liquid phase separation to form coacervates. 54,55 The ATP-binding aptamer is single-stranded in nature. However, it forms a solid precipitate with PLL under the same experimental conditions either in the microfluidic channel (Figure 1a) or in a centrifuge tube (Figure S1).…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coacervate Formed by an ATP-Binding Aptamer and Its Dynamic Behavior under Nonequilibrium Conditions

et al. 2022

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Although numerous protocell models have been developed to explore the possible pathway of the origin of life on the early earth, few truly fulfill the roles of the DNA/RNA sequence and ATP molecules, which are keys to cell replication and evolution. The ATP-binding aptamer offers an opportunity to combine sequence and energy molecules. In this work, we choose the coacervate droplet as the protocell model and investigate the interaction of the DNA aptamer, poly(l-lysine)(PLL), and ATP under varying conditions. PLL and aptamers form solid precipitates, which spontaneously transform to coacervate droplets as ATP is introduced. The selective uptake and sequestration of exogenous molecules is achieved by the ATP-containing coacervates. As an electric field is applied to expel ATP, the portion of the droplet deficient in ATP becomes solid. The solid/liquid phase ratio is tunable by varying the electric field strength and excitation time. Together with the vacuolization process, a solid head with a soft mouth periodically opening and closing is created. Moreover, the composite coacervate droplet gradually grows as it is treated with an electric field and cannot recover to the original liquid phase after the power is turned off and replenished with ATP. Our work highlights that the proper integration of the DNA sequence, ATP, and energy input could be a powerful strategy for creating a protocell with certain living features.

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Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coacervate Formed by an ATP-Binding Aptamer and Its Dynamic Behavior under Nonequilibrium Conditions

et al. 2022

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Dynamic fluorescence imaging and controllable capture/release of guests based on thermo-responsive perylene-cyclodextrin conjugates

Zhao,

Kang,

Liu

et al. 2024

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Protocells with hierarchical structures as regulated by liquid–liquid and liquid–solid phase separations

Abstract: It is generally accepted that the membraneless organelles in living cells are formed by biopolymers via liquid-liquid phase separation. It is also proposed that the transition from liquid-liquid equilibrium to...

Cited by 2 publications

References 40 publications

Coacervate Formed by an ATP-Binding Aptamer and Its Dynamic Behavior under Nonequilibrium Conditions

Coacervate Formed by an ATP-Binding Aptamer and Its Dynamic Behavior under Nonequilibrium Conditions

Dynamic fluorescence imaging and controllable capture/release of guests based on thermo-responsive perylene-cyclodextrin conjugates

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