Dresden 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik
CPP 45: Focus Session: Theoretical Modeling and Simulation of Biomolecular Condensates I (joint session CPP/BP)
CPP 45.1: Topical Talk
Donnerstag, 12. März 2026, 09:30–10:00, ZEU/0260
Wetting transitions in biomolecular coacervates — •Susanne Liese1, Tiemei Lu2, Evan Spruijt3, and Christoph Weber1 — 1University of Augsburg — 2University of Oxford — 3Radboud University
Biomolecular coacervates are liquid-like droplets that can interact with membranes and self-organize into complex structures. Understanding the principles governing their shapes and higher-order assemblies is crucial for controlling compartmentalization in biological and synthetic systems.
We present a theoretical framework describing the shape and organization of biomolecular coacervates interacting with membranes and each other. Large coacervate droplets adopt morphologies determined by the balance of surface tensions, from partial adhesion to full engulfment. Scaled membrane tension and droplet-membrane interactions predict transitions between spherical, lens-shaped, partially wrapped, and endocytosed droplets, with composition-dependent contact angles linking molecular properties to macroscopic shapes.
For multiphase coacervates, we model the impact of interfacial species on droplet organization. Enrichment of an interfacial component at phase boundaries drives partial wetting between droplets, promoting the formation of dimers and extended chains. Numerical simulations show that surface tension minimizes the contact area, straightening droplet arrangements and generating polymer-like behavior with bending stiffness and segment-length constraints.
Keywords: biomolecular coacervates; liquid-liquid phase separation; wetting