Non-equilibrium dynamics of biological droplets: from Phase Separation to Self-Assembly

Biological droplets are dynamic and transient assemblies of biomolecules that undergo phase separation within cells. Unlike traditional organelles bound by membranes, biological droplets form through phase separation, where specific biomolecules are segregated into distinct phases without physical membranes. This mechanism is shared by many biological processes, such as cellular organization and intracellular processes, infection mechanisms, droplet-organelle interactions, and protein self-assembly.

The aim of this cross-journal collection is to delve into the non-equilibrium dynamics of biological droplets in such processes from a biophysical perspective. We focus on the biophysical angle of the problem, with the goal of seeking the shared elements in apparently distinct classes of biological processes and interpreting their underlying mechanisms in a unified framework.

We invite researchers to contribute their original research articles to this cross-journal collection born from the collaboration between Communications Physics, Nature Communications and Scientific Reports. We welcome contributions where the description of the dynamics of biological droplets advances our understanding of specific biological processes, as well as more general contributions identifying common mechanisms and generating novel biophysical insight across the realm of biological droplets.