Characterisation of new aqueous two-phase systems using thermoseparating polymers

Abstract

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are increasingly being used for separation of proteins, cells and viruses and some small molecular weight substances since they offer a gentle and friendly environment. The use of new thermoseparating polymers opens new opportunities to develop more efficient aqueous two-phase systems as they make possible polymer recycling just by temperature control. Phase diagrams for Ucon-(NH4)2SO4 system at different temperatures shows that this system uses a smaller amount of salt and polymer than conventional systems, is thermoseparating and versatile, and particularly attractive as phase inversion is temperature dependent. For the system PEG8000-PVA10000 the results show, as expected, that the polymer concentration for phase formation is higher than for systems using PEG with higher molecular weights.