The existence of multiple biomolecular condensates inside living cells is a peculiar phenomenon not compatible with the predictions of equilibrium statistical mechanics. In this work, we address the problem of multiple condensates state (MCS) from a functional perspective. We combine Langevin dynamics, reaction-diffusion simulation, and dynamical systems theory to demonstrate that MCS can indeed be a function optimization strategy. Using Arp2/3 mediated actin nucleation pathway as an example, we show that actin polymerization is maximum at an optimal number of condensates. For a fixed amount of Arp2/3, MCS produces a greater response compared to its single condensate counterpart. Our analysis reveals the functional significance of the condensate size distribution which can be mapped to the recent experimental findings. Given the spatial heterogeneity within condensates and non-linear nature of intracellular networks, we envision MCS to be a generic functional solution, so that structures of network motifs may have evolved to accommodate such configurations.

活细胞内存在多种生物分子凝聚体是一种奇特现象，与平衡统计力学的预测不相容。在这项工作中，我们从功能角度解决了多重凝聚态（MCS）问题。我们结合朗之万动力学、反应扩散模拟和动力系统理论来证明 MCS 确实可以成为一种函数优化策略。以 Arp2/3 介导的肌动蛋白成核途径为例，我们表明肌动蛋白聚合在最佳缩合物数量时达到最大。对于固定数量的 Arp2/3，MCS 比其单一冷凝对应物产生更大的响应。我们的分析揭示了凝结水尺寸分布的功能意义，可以映射到最近的实验结果。考虑到凝聚物内的空间异质性和细胞内网络的非线性性质，我们设想 MCS 是一种通用的功能解决方案，因此网络基序的结构可能已经进化以适应这种配置。