Work

pH‐Tunable Material Properties of Glycine‐Rich Condensates from Tick Bioadhesive

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Liquid-liquid phase separation of biomolecules is crucial for maintaining the functional organization in biological systems. Intrinsically disordered proteins are particularly prone to form phase-separated condensates in response to various physicochemical triggers. While the effect of ionic strength and temperature on phase separation dynamics have been studied extensively, the influence of pH is less explored. Here, we study a model glycine-rich protein present in the tick bioadhesive, given its capability to undergo phase separation. After confirming its disordered nature through spectroscopy, we investigated its pH dependence and underlying molecular mechanisms. Our findings reveal that pH significantly influences the protein hydrophobicity via ionic residues, driving notable variations in the coacervation behavior (propensity, progression) and in shaping the material properties (viscosity, interfacial activity) of the formed condensates. Given the ubiquitous presence of disordered proteins in biology, this study provides valuable insights about the broad implications of the pH-dependent behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins.

Source: Advanced Functional Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202515418

Authors: Manali Nandy, Udit Ghosh, Ketan A. Ganar, Hans Ippel, Ingrid Dijkgraaf, Siddharth Deshpande

Institutions: Wageningen University & Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht University Medical Centre

Language: English

Topic: Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790

Funders: European Commission, Universiteit Maastricht, Wageningen University and Research, HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions