A Review of Background and Application of ATPSs in Protein and Enzyme Extraction

Abstract

This review article provides an overview of the fundamental background and application of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) in protein and enzyme extraction. The types of ATPSs, including polymer/salt, polymer/polymer, alcohol/salt, surfactant-based, and ionic liquid-based ATPSs, are discussed, along with the unconventional ATPSs. Factors affecting partitioning in ATPSs, such as molecular weight and polymer concentration, pH, temperature, hydrophobicity, and affinity, are also examined. The article then focuses on the application of ATPSs in protein and enzyme extraction, including continuous processing and scaling-up. The future prospects, challenges, and limitations of ATPSs in this field are discussed, along with the challenges associated with their use in industry. The results section highlights the potential of citrate green salts as an alternative to sulfate and phosphate salts in salt-based ATPSs and the need for more research on using ionic liquids as an additive in ATPS types for protein and enzyme extraction. Overall, this review suggests combining cheap and environmentally friendly materials in ATPSs can be a practical solution for using ATPSs in the industry.