I recently read in an article
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41709-5
Article Biomolecular condensates modulate membrane lipid packing and hydration
following. Membrane wetting by biomolecular condensates recently emerged as a key phenomenon in cell biology, playing an important role in a diverse range of processes across different organisms. However, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind condensate formation and interaction with lipid membranes is still missing.
Biomolecular condensates are hydrogels that are formed as a result of a liquid/liquid phase transition in aqueous solutions. A huge number of articles have appeared about smart hydrogels, their properties and applications.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Nuclear_quantum_effect_and_hydrogel
Finally, there are liquid/liquid phase transitions in polyelectrolyte solutions with the formation of globules. In this case, the entire solution is a gel.
Scientists are studying the same objects, self-organized by water, but giving them different properties. Experimenters working with mysterious biomolecular condensates are especially successful with this.
Hello Yuri Mirgorod ,
Your question reminded me of a 2001 book [1] by Pollack. I was wondering if you are familiar with it? Pollack, in his Preface section (p. xiii), gives credit to Albert Szent-Györgyi, A. S. Troshin, and Gilbert Ling for the idea of gels being very important for the functioning of cells, perhaps even more important than the cell membrane, BLM (Bilayer Lipid Membrane).
[1] Gerald H. Pollack; Cells, Gels and the Engines of Life; Ebner & Sons; 2001; xiv + 305 pp.
Regards,
Thomas Cuff
Thomas Cuff
I don't have access to the book. In 2001, the term biomolecular condensates did not exist, but the term hydrogel existed.
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