Charge separation at liquid interfaces

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Arghya Majee - , Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (Author)
  • Christoph A. Weber - , Augsburg University (Author)
  • Frank Jülicher - , Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD), TUD Dresden University of Technology, Clusters of Excellence PoL: Physics of Life (Author)

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

Original languageEnglish
Article number033138
JournalPhysical Review Research
Volume6
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas