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Story of the Cover
Pioneering artificial cell-like structures with DNA nanotechnology-based liquid-liquid phase separation
(Yusuke Sato, Masahiro Takinoue, Biophysics and Physicobiology 21, e210010 (2024), DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v21.0010)
DNA nanotechnology leverages the programmability of DNA molecules for constructing nanostructures and molecular computers. Recent advancements highlight that sequence-designed DNA can undergo phase separation, introducing a novel dimension to this field. This phenomenon enables the design of dynamic DNA droplets through liquid-liquid phase separation, dependent on base sequences. The sequence dependency further extends to tuning the droplets’ physical properties and constructing DNA droplet computers. Additionally, phase separation occurring on a two-dimensional closed interface results in compartmental capsules. The cover image illustrates the characteristics of DNA phase separation.