Spontaneous Fusion of Aqueous Two-Phase Droplets: Effect of Coexisting Phospholipids on Stability.

ABSTRACT: The stability of aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets is a key requirement for extending their utility beyond conventional applications, particularly as minimal models of biological cells and reaction compartments. However, the mechanisms by which their dynamic process in droplet size growth remain poorly understood. In this study, lecithin is demonstrated to effectively stabilize ATPS droplets by modulating two fundamental processes that determine their size evolution: 1) approaching migration driven by thermal motion and inter-droplet attraction and 2) the coalescence initiation time, defined as the delay between first contact and the onset of merging. Using dextran-rich droplets dispersed in a polyethylene glycol phase, significant suppression of both processes is shown that occurs

SUBMITTER: Shono M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12703439 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature