Collection 

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

Submission status
Open
Submission deadline

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.

To submit, see the participating journals
A zoomedin image of an adipose cell showing the nucleus at its center and numerous lipid droplets dispersed throughout the cytoplasm

This Collection is open for submissions from all authors – and not by invitation only – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Communications PhysicsNature Communications and Scientific Reports more generally.

All manuscripts will be considered for publication according to the editorial policies of the specific journal through which they are submitted, namely Communications Physics, Nature Communications and Scientific Reports . Visit Nature portfolio’s Collections guidelines for more details.

When submitting your manuscript to Communications PhysicsNature Communications or Scientific Reports via our online submission system, please choose the appropriate Collection title from the drop-down menu on the submission form. Please be sure to express your interest in the Collection in your cover letter. Please only submit to one journal, but note authors have the option to transfer to another participating journal following the editors’ recommendation.

This Collection has not been supported by sponsorship.