Synthetic communication networks are essential for programming collective, life-like behaviors in artificial cells. We have developed a coacervate-based platform that mimic natural quorum sensing through an autocatalytic trypsin–trypsinogen feedback loop. These membraneless compartments facilitate the diffusion, amplification, and exchange of signaling molecules between protocells, enabling population density–dependent activation. When compartment density is high, the accumulation of activated trypsin drives a collective fluorescent response; at low density, signaling remains inactive, establishing a clear threshold behavior. This dynamic interplay between chemical feedback and compartmentalized organization gives rise to emergent, coordinated behavior without genetic machinery. Our results demonstrate a versatile, gene-free strategy for constructing interactive protocellular consortia capable of sensing, responding, and adapting collectively. By bridging biochemical feedback with synthetic compartmentalization, this work provides a foundational framework for engineering programmable, life-like communication in artificial systems and advances the design of next-generation synthetic cells that exhibit emergent population-level dynamics.
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