Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS): an overview and advances in its applications

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Separation Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is a liquid-liquid extraction technique with significant potential for isolating and purifying biomolecules.
• While the partition behavior can be complex, ATPS has demonstrated success in diverse fields beyond biomolecules, including food safety and environmental remediation.
• The technique is recognized for its high recovery yields, scalability, economic viability, and environmentally friendly nature.

Approach:

• This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of ATPS.
• It discusses various optimization techniques to enhance separation efficiency.
• The review explores a wide range of established and emerging applications of ATPS.

Key Points:

• ATPS facilitates the extraction, separation, purification, and enrichment of diverse biomolecules like proteins, membranes, viruses, enzymes, and nucleic acids.
• Applications extend to detecting veterinary drug residues, separating precious metals, and treating sewage.
• The method is characterized by high recovery yields, ease of scale-up, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness.

Conclusions:

• ATPS is a versatile and advantageous technique for various separation and purification challenges.
• Understanding ATPS basics and optimization is crucial for its effective implementation.
• The broad applicability highlights ATPS as a valuable tool in both industrial and academic settings.