Endoskeletal coacervates with mobile-immobile duality for long-term utility

Coacervates are widely celebrated for their liquid nature with profound implications in subcellular regulation and reaction modulation; yet such fluidity (susceptible to deformation/flow and destined to coalesce) is incompatible with industrially relevant processes that favor immobilization. Herein, we develop an endoskeletal strategy of universality to reconcile this conflict by introducing solid, porous scaffolds into the liquid coacervates. Guided by design principles on scaffold surface chemistry and pore sizes, we identify a broad spectrum of porous materials that can inhale coacervates spontaneously, provide mechanical strength against deformation or coalescence, and preserve coacervates’ molecular mobility. In effect, the endoskeletons realize a mobile-immobile duality by complementing microscopic liquidity with macroscopic solidity. As a proof of concept, we apply endoskeletal coacervates in batch and flow reactors to highlight their scalable potentials and long-term stability. Looking forward, we expect this work to provide a practical guide to upscale coacervate functionalities from lab demonstrations to industrial implementations.