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condensate
Also known as: condensate, condensates
Facts (10)
Sources
New research reveals a hidden source of cellular bioelectricity news-medical.net Dec 19, 2025 10 facts
claimWhen electrically charged condensates collide with cell membranes, they change the voltage of the cell membrane at the point of contact, which influences the electrical charge flowing across the membrane.
claimResearchers demonstrated that the magnitude of the impact on cell membrane voltage is positively correlated with the amount of electrical charge carried by the condensate.
claimCondensates are involved in essential biological processes, including the compartmentalization of cells, protein assembly, and signaling both within and between cells.
claimResearchers observed that when lab-made condensates collided with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) in a shared vessel, the collisions caused a local change in the electrical charge of the GUV membranes at the point of contact.
claimCondensates are organelles that are not enclosed within membranes, but are instead held together by a combination of molecular and electrical forces.
claimScripps Research scientists discovered that droplet-like structures called condensates act as biological batteries that can charge cell membranes from within.
quoteAnthony Gurunian, a PhD candidate at Scripps Research, stated: "You can think of condensates as electrically charged droplets in the cell, kind of like a tiny battery."
procedureTo test whether condensates alter cell membrane voltage, researchers used Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) as cell models and stained the GUV membranes with a dye that changes color in response to changes in electrical charge.
quoteDeniz stated: "Now that we know that condensates can locally induce these voltages, the next step is to test whether this novel physics is functionally important for cells and organisms. If we see functional consequences, it will not only tell us something new about cell biology, but it might also help scientists engineer therapeutics in the future."
claimResearchers found that the shape of the condensates appears to be correlated with variations in the voltage change induced in GUV membranes.