Polyester Synthesis and Microdroplet Assembly (IMAGE)
Caption
Starting from a liquid alpha hydroxy acid monomer library, drying through heating results in synthesis of polyester polymers, which form a gel-like state. This gel is then rehydrated, resulting in phase separation and formation of a turbid solution. Further microscopy analysis of this turbid solution reveals the existence of membrane-less polyester microdroplets, which have been proposed as relevant compartments on early Earth.
Credit
Tony Z. Jia
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