Complex Coacervation and Compartmentalized Conversion of Prebiotically Relevant Metabolites. Issue 4 (5th April 2022) - Smokers, Iris B. A.
Abstract: Metabolism and compartmentalization are two of life's most central elements. Constructing synthetic assemblies based on prebiotically relevant molecules that combine these elements can provide insight into the requirements for the formation of life‐like protocells from abiotic building blocks. In this work, we show that a wide variety of small anionic metabolites can form complex coacervate protocells with oligoarginine (R10 ) by phase separation. The coacervate stability can be rationalized by the molecular structure of the metabolites, and we show that three negative charges for carboxylates, or two negative charges complemented with an unsaturated moiety for phosphates and sulfates is sufficient for phase separation. The metabolites remain reactive after compartmentalization, and we show that protometabolic reactions can induce coacervate formation. The resulting coacervates can localize other metabolites and enhance their conversion. Finally, reactions of compartmentalized metabolites can also alter the physicochemical properties of the coacervates and ultimately lead to protocell dissolution. These results reveal the intricate interplay between (proto)metabolic reactions and coacervate compartments, and show that coacervates are excellent candidates for metabolically active protocells. Abstract : Metabolically active coacervates combine two important hallmarks of life: metabolism and compartmentalization. This work shows that a wide range of prebiotic metabolites can form complex coacervate protocells with oligoarginine. Prebiotically plausible conversions of the metabolites can give rise to active coacervate formation, are enhanced inside the coacervate microenvironment and can, in turn, affect the stability of the coacervate compartment.