Supramolecular nanofiber stabilization of microdroplets enables ultra-sensitive virus infection analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets in cells act as fluidic microreactors by concentrating biomacromolecules. Inspired by this phenomenon, dextran-rich microdroplets formed in an ATPS with polyethylene glycol have been explored as artificial microreactors for sensitive detection and spatiotemporal control of biochemical reactions. However, the rapid fusion of the microdroplets into bulk phase separation has limited practical applications of this approach. Here, we report the stabilization of dextran-rich microdroplets using supramolecular nanofibers of an azobenzene-appending self-assembling peptide (AzSAP). Physicochemical characterization and structural analyses elucidate the mechanism of nanofiber formation and its role in droplet stabilization. The nanofiber network prevents droplet coalescence while maintaining macroscopic fluidity, thereby enabling highly sensitive quantitative virus detection via microfluidic analysis by confining infecting viruses within droplets. Furthermore, the photo-responsive properties of the AzSAP allow dynamic control over droplet size and intra-droplet virus activity, highlighting its exceptional potential as a platform for programmable artificial microreactors. Artificial aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets offer promise as controllable microreactors but are limited by the low stability of dextran-rich microdroplets in 3D media. Here, reversible nanofibers formed from an azobenzene-appended self-assembling peptide stabilize droplets by suppressing fusion without compromising fluidity. These stabilized systems enable concentration of M13 bacteriophages and Escherichia coli, prevent secondary infections, and support quantitative flow cytometry readouts, while allowing precise, photoresponsive modulation of droplet fusion.
Source: Nature Communications
Authors: Noriyuki Uchida, Atsuya Yaguchi, Shiori Kondo, Kazuyoshi Muranishi, Haruka Kawabata, Haruka Umezawa, Naito Ishimoto, Michiko Tajiri, Satoko Akashi, Takuya Seki, Go Watanabe, Ayano Yoshida, Genki Higuchi, Jakuei Fu, Takanobu Takenouchi, Daisuke Yoshino, Hirotsugu Hiramatsu, Masaki Okumura, Tomohide Saio, Hiroyuki Noji, Young-Ho Lee, Sam-Yong Park, Takahiro Muraoka
Institutions: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Yokohama City University, Kitasato University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tohoku University, Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Tokushima University, The University of Tokyo, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chung-Ang University, Korea University of Science and Technology, Jeju National University
Language: English
Subfield: Filtration and Separation
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Funders: Canon Foundation in Europe, Takahashi Industrial and Economic Research Foundation, Japan Association for Chemical Innovation, National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Korea Basic Science Institute, National Research Foundation of Korea, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Soochow University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology promotion, Sekisui Chemical, Lotte Foundation, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, ACT-X
OpenAlex ID: W7170040069