Tension-based control of chain conformation in complex coacervation

Numerous studies have explored diverse biological and synthetic complex coacervate systems. Nonetheless, a significant knowledge gap persists concerning the conformation of charged macromolecules during coacervation. Linear charged chains can exhibit either compaction or extension within these coacervate environments, and this behavior, especially for biomacromolecules, remains relatively unexplored in the existing literature. To address this gap, we employ single molecule magnetic tweezers to control chain conformation using force, while the chain undergoes complex coacervation. Our study involves a range of coacervate systems composed of DNA, hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lysine, and/or poly-l-arginine.