Koaservates

Koaservates are microscopic droplets formed from the spontaneous association of oppositely charged macromolecules in a solution. This process, known as coacervation, results in the formation of a distinct liquid phase separated from the surrounding solvent. Typically, these macromolecules are polymers, such as proteins or polysaccharides, but other charged species can also participate.

The formation of koaservates is driven by electrostatic attractions between the positive and negative charges on the polymer chains. As these attractions overcome repulsive forces, the molecules aggregate into dense, liquid-like structures. The concentration of the macromolecules, pH, ionic strength, and temperature of the solution all play crucial roles in determining whether koaservates will form and their resulting size and stability.

Koaservates are considered a type of coacervate, which are liquid-liquid separated phases. They are often compared to protocells, which are hypothesized precursors to the first living cells, due to their ability to encapsulate other molecules and maintain a distinct internal environment. This encapsulation property has led to research exploring their potential applications in areas like drug delivery, biomimetic systems, and the creation of artificial cells. The internal composition of koaservates can vary, allowing them to trap and concentrate specific molecules from their environment, a characteristic relevant to prebiotic chemistry models.