Charge separation at liquid interfaces

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Arghya Majee - , Max-Planck-Institut für Physik komplexer Systeme (Autor:in)
  • Christoph A. Weber - , Universität Augsburg (Autor:in)
  • Frank Jülicher - , Max-Planck-Institut für Physik komplexer Systeme, Zentrum für Systembiologie Dresden (CSBD), Technische Universität Dresden, Exzellenzcluster PoL: Physik des Lebens (Autor:in)

Abstract

We present a theory for phase-separated liquid coacervates with salt, taking into account spatial heterogeneities and interfacial profiles. We find that charged layers of alternating sign can form around the interface while the bulk phases remain approximately charge neutral. We show that the salt concentration regulates the number of layers and the amplitude of the layer's charge density and electrostatic potential. Such charged layers can either repel or attract single-charged molecules diffusing across the interface. Our theory could be relevant for artificial systems and biomolecular condensates in cells. Our work suggests that interfaces of biomolecular condensates could mediate charge-specific transport similar to membrane-bound compartments.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer033138
FachzeitschriftPhysical Review Research
Jahrgang6
Ausgabenummer3
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Juni 2024
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Schlagworte

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