Fig. 5: Enhanced phase separation and transport of condensates through diffusiophoresis.

a A schematic diagram showing how reentrant phase separation underlies the wave-like patterning of peptide-ssDNA condensates. In the absence of a salt gradient, both [dT]₄₀ and [RGRGG]₅ diffuse from both sides, leading to the formation of biomolecular condensates. As a result of the reentrant phase behavior, these condensates experience dissolution and condensation, forming wave-like profiles as depicted in the plot on the right-hand side (see the experimental data in Fig. 1b). b In the presence of a salt gradient, the transport of biomolecules is enhanced by diffusiophoresis, which increases their local concentration and thus promotes their phase separation. In addition, salt gradients further impart directional motility to the phase-separated condensates, thereby extending their lifetime.