Compartmentalized Biomolecular Condensates via Controlled Nucleation

Abstract

This commentary underscores the importance and implications of the study “Biomolecular condensates with complex architectures via controlled nucleation,” led by Jan C. M. van Hest and Tuomas P. J. Knowles, published in Nature Chemical Engineering. The research team developed a novel system to investigate the structure of biological condensates using quaternized amylose, carboxymethylated amylose, and single-stranded DNA. They successfully created multiphase droplets with distinct dense phases and demonstrated that droplet architecture can be controlled through temperature and salt concentration adjustments. This study offers valuable insights into the formation and function of membraneless organelles in cells and suggests promising applications for designing biomimetic materials and therapeutic strategies.