Robust buffering in multicomponent condensates

Determine whether robust buffering of concentration fluctuations via phase coexistence extends to biomolecular condensates containing many components without requiring fine-tuning of molecular interactions.

Background

Phase coexistence in simple one- or two-component systems can buffer concentration fluctuations by maintaining stable concentrations within coexisting phases, adjusting phase volumes to absorb total-concentration changes. This mechanism has been observed for strongly self-segregating cellular components.

For cellular condensates that typically contain many molecular species, it is unclear whether the same robustness arises generically or only under finely tuned conditions. Establishing this would clarify when phase separation can serve as an intrinsic control strategy in complex cellular environments.