Polyester Synthesis and Microdroplet Assembly (IMAGE)

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Polyester Synthesis and Microdroplet Assembly

Caption

Starting from a liquid alpha hydroxy acid monomer library, drying through heating results in synthesis of polyester polymers, which form a gel-like state. This gel is then rehydrated, resulting in phase separation and formation of a turbid solution. Further microscopy analysis of this turbid solution reveals the existence of membrane-less polyester microdroplets, which have been proposed as relevant compartments on early Earth.

Credit

Tony Z. Jia

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