Abstract: In this talk, a theory for phase-separated liquid coacervates (droplets) will be presented [1]. In particular, we consider the role of electrostatics, the spatial heterogeneities, and the interfacial profiles. We find that multiple charged layers of alternating sign can form around the interface while the bulk phases remain charge-neutral. We show that the salt concentration regulates the number of layers and the amplitude of the layer's charge density and the electrostatic potential. Such charged layers prohibit droplet coalescence if the charge density is sufficiently high. For smaller charge densities, we show that electrostatics can even facilitate droplet coalescence. Moreover, we also observe an electrostatically-mediated delay in the Ostwald ripening process. Our theory could be relevant for artificial systems and biomolecular condensates in cells. Our work suggests that interfaces of biomolecular condensates could mediate charge-specific transport similar to membrane-bound compartments.

[1] A. Majee, C. A. Weber, and F. Jülicher, arXiv:2310.07835 (2023).

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