Signal-induced recruitment and... Note

Signal-induced recruitment and dispatchment in reconfigurable phase-separated protocell networks

Constructing protocell networks with spatial dynamics remains a central challenge in colloidal systems chemistry. Now, binary populations of enzyme-containing protocells with different membrane wettability have been shown to spontaneously segregate in phase-separated media. Enzyme-mediated signals induce reversible phase compatibility, enabling selective protocell recruitment and dispatchment, and the construction of cytomimetic networks with self-regulated spatiotemporal order.