Bio‐inspired functional coacervates

Abstract

Many functional coacervates have been identified in biological systems, which have attracted widespread interest. Coacervation is a liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) process in which a macromolecule-enriched liquid phase is formed together with a macromolecule-depleted phase. Bio-inspired coacervates possess excellent features such as underwater delivery, low interface energy, shear thinning, and excellent biocompatibility. They also serve as good delivery platforms for different types of molecules. In this review, we briefly discuss some important extracellular coacervate systems, including mussel adhesives, sandcastle worm glue, squid beak, and tropoelastin. We then provide an overview of the recent development of bio-inspired functional coacervates for various biomedical applications, including medical adhesives, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Bio-inspired functional coacervates offer a promising material platform for developing new materials for biomedical applications.

Fracture Detection in Bio‐Glues with Fluorescent‐Protein‐Based Optical Force Probes

“…Such coacervate adhesives are an emerging class of functional glues, particularly promising for biomedical applications due to their biocompatible and occasionally bioinstructive properties. [ 52,53 ]…”

“…Such coacervate adhesives are an emerging class of functional glues, particularly promising for biomedical applications due to their biocompatible and occasionally bioinstructive properties. [52,53] After the glue complex was separated from the supernatant, lap shear tests were performed to characterize the mechanical gluing properties and to produce fracture surfaces. Glass was chosen as the high-surface-energy model substrate first.…”

Complex Coacervates as a Promising Vehicle for mRNA Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances and Challenges

“…As researchers strive to develop more efficient and safer mRNA delivery systems, they are turning to novel strategies, such as coacervate-based systems, which offer promising new avenues for the targeted and effective delivery of mRNA therapeutics. As highlighted in Figure , coacervate-based delivery involves the formation of dense, liquid–liquid aggregates by two or more types of macromolecules in response to changes in the physiochemical environment (i.e., pH, temperature, ionic strength). − The formation of coacervates is driven by electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, or van der Waals forces. − Coacervates can be synthesized through the interactions of various macromolecules, including those commonly found in conventional delivery systems, such as polymers, lipids, and peptides. This implies that coacervate-based applications offer opportunities to utilize existing materials that exhibit coacervate-like behavior.…”

“…Their viscoelasticity allows for quick encapsulation under aqueous conditions, preserving the bioactivity of biomacromolecule therapeutics by avoiding harsh solvents often used in non-viral delivery vehicle preparation . The formation of coacervate droplets is instantaneous and can provide separation from organic solvents that may be incompatible with the entrapped bioactive cargo . Coacervates’ high network densities allow for controlled diffusion, enabling sustained release of encapsulated molecules .…”

“…24 The formation of coacervate droplets is instantaneous and can provide separation from organic solvents that may be incompatible with the entrapped bioactive cargo. 25 Coacervates' high network densities allow for controlled diffusion, enabling sustained release of encapsulated molecules. 28 Additionally, coacervate-based delivery systems can target specific cells or tissues through either surface or material modifications 29 and deliver multiple therapeutic agents simultaneously.…”