Condensate Size Control by Charge Asymmetry

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2409.15599
• Publication Date: 2024-09-23
• Authors: Chengjie Luo; Nathaniel Hess; Dilimulati Aierken; Yicheng Qiang; Jerelle A. Joseph; David Zwicker
• Keywords: Charge control

Biomolecular condensates are complex droplets comprising many different types of molecules that interact using various mechanisms. Condensation is often driven by short-ranged attraction, but net charges can also mediate long-ranged repulsion. Using molecular dynamics simulations and an equilibrium field theory, we show such opposing interactions suppress coarsening so equal size coexist at equilibrium. This control depends strongly on the charge asymmetry between constituents, while strength attractions has a weak influence. Our work reveals how electrostatic effects droplet size, which relevant for understanding biomolecular creating synthetic patterns in chemical engineering.