(375d) Interfacial Phenomenon of Biomolecular Condensates

How can the microenvironment of biomolecular condensates (a biological soft matter) modulate functions? In this talk, I will dig into the physical chemistry principles of condensate microenvironment, by which condensates can encode unique electrochemical features at its liquid-liquid interface. I will introduce a theoretical framework we developed for condensate interface, which allows us to understand the density transition process of condensate formation from the perspective of electrochemical potential equilibrium. I will then discuss our experimental discoveries on the fundamental electrochemical properties of liquid-liquid interface and how these features can dictate biological functions. This talk will highlight an unexplored feature of condensates and present a novel perspective to understand condensate functions.

Reference

Y. Dai, C. F. Chamberlayne, M. S. Messina, C. J. Chang, R. N. Zare, L. You, and A. Chilkoti. Interface of Biomolecular Condensates Modulates Redox Reactions. Chem (in press, 2023).