Separating lysozyme from bacteriophage P22 in two-phase aqueous micellar systems

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Separation Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Two-phase aqueous micellar systems offer unique separation capabilities.
• Optimizing these systems is crucial for efficient biomolecule purification.
• Current methods face challenges in selectively separating proteins and viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of mixed (nonionic/ionic) aqueous micellar systems for protein and virus separation.
• To evaluate the impact of adding an anionic surfactant to a nonionic micellar system on separation efficiency.
• To determine the effect on the yield of charged proteins and viruses in different phases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two-phase aqueous mixed micellar systems.
• Incorporated the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) into a nonionic n-decyl tetra(ethylene oxide) (C(10)E(4)) system.
• Performed separation experiments using model proteins (lysozyme) and viruses (bacteriophage P22).

Main Results:

• The addition of SDS increased the yield of positively charged lysozyme in the micelle-rich phase from 75% to 95%.
• The yield of negatively charged bacteriophage P22 in the micelle-poor phase remained high (97% vs. 98%).
• Mixed micellar systems demonstrated improved selectivity for protein separation.

Conclusions:

• Mixed aqueous micellar systems, particularly with the addition of SDS, significantly enhance protein separation efficiency.
• This method shows promise for the selective purification of proteins while preserving virus integrity.
• The findings suggest a new avenue for biomolecule separation technologies.