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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Cell Co-culture Patterning Using Aqueous Two-phase Systems
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Interfacial Tension Effect on Cell Partition in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems.

Ehsan Atefi1, Ramila Joshi1, Jay Adin Mann2

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325, United States.

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 11, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Interfacial tension in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) significantly impacts cell partitioning. Lowering interfacial tension, using polymers like polyethylene glycol and dextran, directs cells to the bottom phase, crucial for cell separation and spheroid formation.

Keywords:
aqueous two-phase systemcancer cellscell partitionembryonic stem cellsinterfacial tensionthermodynamic model

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Separation Science
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) offer mild conditions for cell separation.
  • Understanding cell partitioning behavior in ATPS is crucial for bioprocessing and cell-based assays.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of interfacial tension in polymeric ATPS on cell partitioning.
  • To explore the relationship between interfacial tension, cell distribution, and free energy in ATPS.
  • To analyze how cell surface properties influence partitioning behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran for ATPS formation.
  • Measured ultralow interfacial tensions using axisymmetric drop shape analysis.
  • Conducted cell partition experiments and cancer cell spheroid formation assays.
  • Performed thermodynamic modeling of cell partition and free energy variations.

Main Results:

  • ATPS with interfacial tension of 30 μJ/m² resulted in cells partitioning to the bottom dextran phase.
  • Increased interfacial tension led to cell distribution towards the interface.
  • Cells remained within drops to form spheroids only at very low interfacial tensions.
  • Thermodynamic modeling confirmed minimum free energy for cells in the bottom phase at low interfacial tension.

Conclusions:

  • Interfacial tension is a critical parameter controlling cell partitioning in ATPS.
  • Lowering interfacial tension promotes cell partitioning into the bulk phase, while higher tensions drive cells to the interface.
  • Cell surface properties modulate partition behavior, offering a tunable framework for cell separation and manipulation in ATPS.