Nanomaterial signatures program biomolecular condensates via triphasic separation for chemoplasticity remodeling.

Abstract

Membraneless organelles form by phase separation and regulate cell behavior. We show that cholesterol-patterned AuNPs program nanomaterial-induced stress granules (NSGs) by lowering G3BP1 condensation barriers through a solid-liquid-liquid triphasic sequence: nanomaterials recruit hnRNPC, which then engages G3BP1 to nucleate gel-like condensates. We map NSG microenvironments (temperature, polarity, pH, and proteasome activity), uncover dual disassembly-a slow VCP/19S-dependent route and a rapid SUMO/20S-dependent backup-and show that NSGs remodel chemo-plasticity: they mitigate doxorubicin/cisplatin toxicity in normal tissues yet sensitize tumors to nocodazole in vivo. Local induction and selective dissolution of NSGs thus offers a strategy to decouple efficacy from toxicity. Our results establish design rules linking nanomaterial surface chemistry to condensate programming and provide actionable levers to steer therapeutic outcomes.