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Poly(ionic liquid)s as phase splitting promoters in aqueous biphasic systems
Karen G João1, Liliana C Tomé, Mehmet Isik
1Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. Repúblia, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal. imarrucho@itqb.unl.pt.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|October 1, 2015
Summary
This study introduces novel aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) using poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) and inorganic salts for sustainable separations. These PIL-based ABSs demonstrate effective phase splitting and biomolecule extraction, offering an eco-friendly alternative.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Separation Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) offer sustainable alternatives to traditional solvent-based extraction.
- Conventional ABSs often rely on polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or salts.
- There is a need for novel ABSs with tunable properties for efficient solute recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) with various counter-anions.
- To investigate the phase behavior of new PIL-based aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs).
- To evaluate the potential of these PIL-ABSs for biomolecule separation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of pyrrolidinium-based PILs with acetate, trifluoroacetate, hexanoate, adipate, and citrate counter-anions.
- Measurement of phase diagrams for PIL-inorganic salt ABSs at 25 °C.
- Characterization of PILs' molecular weight and anionic properties.
- Evaluation of tryptophan extraction efficiency in the developed ABSs.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of novel PILs via an environmentally friendly procedure.
- Demonstrated phase splitting in PIL-ABSs, influenced by PIL molecular weight and anion type.
- Achieved effective partitioning of the model biomolecule, tryptophan, in the studied systems.
- PIL-based ABSs showed tunable properties based on PIL structure.
Conclusions:
- Poly(ionic liquid)-based aqueous biphasic systems represent a promising new platform for sustainable separation technologies.
- The tunability of PIL structure allows for optimization of phase behavior and separation efficiency.
- These novel ABSs offer an eco-friendly approach for extracting and purifying valuable compounds, including biomolecules.
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