This review summarizes recent advances in condensed matter chemistry within the field of macromolecular phase separation and self-assembly, with emphasis on polymer structure and morphology regulation, functional mechanisms of biomolecular condensates, and the application of multiscale theoretical simulations. Studies have shown that the hierarchical structures of polymers are highly sensitive to reaction conditions. Polymerization-induced phase separation and self-assembly represent key strategies for controlling structural evolution, while the coupling of kinetic factors plays a pivotal role in pattern formation. In biological systems, liquid–liquid phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins and the subsequent formation of condensates are critical for cellular function. These condensates not only regulate biochemical reactions within their compartments but also undergo feedback regulation by these reactions, thereby forming complex dynamic networks. These intricately coupled processes call for more advanced methodologies. In this context, multiscale theoretical simulations, particularly hybrid approaches that integrate molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods, provide powerful tools to probe the formation and evolution of hierarchical structures under varying reaction conditions. Despite significant progress, several challenges remain. For instance, precise control over the driving forces of polymer phase separation and high-fidelity simulations of biomolecular condensate structure and function continue to be pressing issues. Future studies should focus on elucidating the dynamic effects of condensed-phase reactions on polymer hierarchical structures, systematically dissecting the structural regulation of biomolecular condensates, and further exploring the impact of chemical modifications on their multiscale organization. Such endeavors will not only deepen our understanding of the fundamental principles of condensed matter chemistry but also provide new theoretical support and research directions for the advancement of this field.
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Condensed phase structures and morphologies of polymers
2.1 Structures and morphologies of polymers
2.2 Mechanisms of polymerization-induced phase separation( PIPS) and self-assembly( PISA)
2.3 Role of kinetic coupling in pattern formation
3 Biomolecular condensates and functional phase separation
3.1 Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of intrinsically disordered proteins
3.2 Formation and function of biomolecular condensates
3.3 Feedback between biochemical reactions and condensate formation
4 Multiscale theoretical modeling approaches
4.1 Coarse-grained modeling of macromolecular systems
4.2 Hybrid molecular dynamics/Monte Carlo (MD/MC)techniques
4.3 Simulation of structure evolution under condensedphase conditions
4.4 Modeling challenges in reactive and biological systems
Flory-Huggins理论以及后续发展起来的自洽场理论(Self-consistent field theory, SCFT)已被广泛应用于预测聚合物体系的相行为和形貌演化。例如,在嵌段共聚物的微相分离相图构建中,研究者常通过调节嵌段组成比、链长和温度,结合Flory-Huggins相互作用参数χ的计算,预测体系可能出现的有序结构。如图2所示,Matsen等[2]基于自洽场理论,系统描绘了二嵌段共聚物在不同χN条件下的稳定形貌区域,为高分子自组装纳米材料的设计与构建提供了重要的理论依据。