A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal
Engineering the Liquid‐to‐Solid Transition of Biomolecular Condensates: Molecular Mechanisms, Control Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Yin, Chengying; Chen, Chong; Yu, Xinran; Wu, Shuqi; Lin, Zi; Xu, Li; Wang, Xuejing
Publisher: Wiley
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Small
Article number: e73582
ISSN: 1613-6810
eISSN: 1613-6829
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.73582
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.73582
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). They are highly dynamic, membraneless compartments within cells. The liquid-to-solid transition (LST) of these condensates plays a central role in regulating cellular physiological functions, maintaining tissue structural stability, and driving disease progression. Engineering LST has emerged as a major research frontier, integrating biophysics, synthetic biology, and materials science. This review systematically outlines the molecular grammar governing LST, key engineering strategies for its spatiotemporal control, and emerging applications in designed biological systems. We further discuss current challenges and future directions for harnessing LST as a design principle in systems chemistry and synthetic biology.
Biomolecular condensates are formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). They are highly dynamic, membraneless compartments within cells. The liquid-to-solid transition (LST) of these condensates plays a central role in regulating cellular physiological functions, maintaining tissue structural stability, and driving disease progression. Engineering LST has emerged as a major research frontier, integrating biophysics, synthetic biology, and materials science. This review systematically outlines the molecular grammar governing LST, key engineering strategies for its spatiotemporal control, and emerging applications in designed biological systems. We further discuss current challenges and future directions for harnessing LST as a design principle in systems chemistry and synthetic biology.
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