Inside cells, certain functions are carried out by locally adjusting molecular composition. This condensation of material results in the formation of dense droplets that can dynamically rearrange. Because of this, interactions between such dense regions determine the shaping of condensates. Scientists from the Department of Living Matter Physics at MPI-DS recently developed a model that can describe such phase separation dynamics based solely on attraction. The work is published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
“It’s natural to think that a system with only attractive forces would form one large, stationary condensate,” explained Jacopo Romano, first author of the study.
“However, instead we observed an unexpected emergent property of chasing dynamics resulting in movement and propulsion,” he said.
In their model, the physicists used a minimal system consisting of two droplets as a basis. After introducing mutual attraction into the system, they observed different behavior depending on the size, shape and chemical activity of the condensates.
One of these behaviors resembled the run-and-chase mechanism also observed in nonreciprocal systems in which both attraction and repulsion are present. Because only attraction is present in this model, it can be compared to a lanternfish following prey that is following the lantern, ultimately resulting in movement.
“This is an interesting example of how a nonequilibrium emulsion can be engineered to exhibit nonreciprocal chasing interactions between droplets,” commented Ramin Golestanian, director of the Department of Living Matter Physics.
The findings of the study offer new insights into how cells can organize themselves, ensuring their vitality. Likewise, they can be used for the design of molecular machines in which self-propelling behavior is required.
Publication details
Jacopo Romano et al, Nonreciprocal Interactions between Condensates in Chemically Active Mixtures, Physical Review Letters (2026). DOI: 10.1103/mrpd-rgnx
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Physicists discover attractive forces between molecular condensates may cause running off (2026, June 5)
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