We use soft matter systems—including polyelectrolytes, peptides, and nucleic acids—to understand how molecular interactions generate collective structures and emergent properties. Coacervates provide a versatile model system for studying liquid-liquid phase separation, molecular partitioning, and compartmentalization.

Key questions:

• Can complex and dynamic biological organization be recreated in synthetic systems?

• How can molecular phase transitions be engineered?

• Can self-organizing systems generate new functions?

We utilize coacervates—polymer-rich droplets formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)—as an experimental model for biomolecular condensates. While coacervates are ubiquitous in everyday materials, from cosmetics and food to underwater adhesives and inks, our lab explores new compositions and functions of coacervate systems.

Moving beyond traditional synthetic polymers, we specialize in developing coacervates composed of polypeptides and oligonucleotides. Our research investigates how these droplets behave under diverse experimental conditions, with a particular focus on engineering them for advanced functionalities, such as the compartmentalization and storage of biomolecules. 

We leverage quantitative fluorescence imaging, including single-molecule microscopy, to elucidate the phase transition nucleation mechanism. This approach provides an unexplored window into the dynamics of protein condensation during immune signaling, revealing stochastic nucleation behaviors that remain obscured in traditional ensemble measurements.

Beyond nucleation, our lab applies these quantitative tools to investigate the transport and partitioning of guest molecules within multiphasic coacervates. By bridging molecular-scale dynamics with macroscopic behavior, we aim to understand how biological systems harness phase transitions to spatially and temporally organize complex reaction networks.

We synthesize supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) as artificial membrane systems that can be precisely functionalized with a wide array of biomolecules. Our lab utilizes SLBs as a single-molecule level imaging platform to study how live cells interact with biological membranes in real-time. In addition to live cell imaging, we use SLBs to characterize the enzyme kinetics of membrane-bound or recruited proteins within a controlled environment. By mimicking the native cellular interface, our SLB platforms offer immense potential for developing next-generation biomolecular sensors, biocompatible coatings, and advanced bioanalytical tools.