Begin by preparing the C-Star mixtures for single component condensates using the pre-cleaned glass capillary tubes. To do so using a pipette, withdraw the entire 60 microliters of C-Star solution and transfer it carefully into the cleaned, dry glass capillary tube avoiding the introduction of air bubbles. Then, pipette approximately nine to 12 microliters of mineral oil into each end of the capillary tube to prevent a free interface between the C-Star solution and the air.
Dry the outside of the capillary tube with tissue paper, ensuring no oil remains without wicking mineral oil or C-Star solution out of the tube. Use a small batch of two part epoxy glue to completely seal and adhere each end of the capillary tube, flat side down to a glass cover slip. Set aside the setup to cure for a minimum of three hours, but preferably overnight.
After about 30 minutes of curing, inspect the glue layer for gaps in the seal caused by air bubbles. Wrap the capillary tube glued to the cover slip in tin foil, ensuring the foil is kept flat on the underside of the glass cover slip. Place the wrapped sample into a thermal cycler and a kneel using the specified protocol.
The single component condensates were discrete, uniform and appeared polyhedral or spherical. The presence of air bubbles in the capillary tube interfered with the self-assembly of the condensates, often resulting in aggregation near the air interface.
