(129a) Electrochemical Activity at the Interface of Biomolecular Condensates

Biomolecular condensates represent a key type of mesoscale cellular structures regulating diverse cellular functions from transcription to stress response. However, previous works largely focus on their functions encoded in their biological constituents. Here I will illustrate the thermodynamic principles, by which the formation of biomolecular condensates through phase transition of intrinsically disordered proteins can encode electrochemical properties into the mesoscale structures. I will show how the interface of condensates can be electrochemically active through the formation of electric double layer. I will demonstrate the inherent electrochemical functions of biomolecular condensates and the programmability of these functions. This presentation will illustrate a new functioning paradigm of cellular macromolecular structures, which can provide broad implications into cell biology and bioengineering.

References:

1. Dai Y, Chamberlayne C, Messina M, Chang CJ, Zare RN, You L, Chilkoti A. Interface of biomolecular condensates modulates redox reactions. Chem. 9, 6, 1594-1609.

2. Chen MW, Ren X, Song X, Qian N, Ma Y, Yu W, Yang L, Min W, Zare RN, Dai Y*. Transition-State-Dependent Spontaneous Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species by Aβ Assemblies Encodes a Self-Regulated Positive Feedback Loop for Aggregate Formation
Journal of the American Chemical Society. 10.1021/jacs.4c15532

3. Yu W, Guo X, Xia Y, Ma Y, Tong Z, Yang L, Song X, Zare RN, Hong G, Dai Y*. Aging-dependent evolving electrochemical potentials of biomolecular condensates regulate their physicochemical activities. Nature Chemistry. 10.1038/s41557-025-01762-7