Development of pH-responsive polymer and citrate aqueous two-phase system for extractive bioconversion of cefprozil

A pH-responsive aqueous two-phase system (pH-ATPS) has been developed by sodium citrate and a recyclable pH-responsive polymer P_ADB6.8 that can response to the change of pH values. Phase separation mechanism is studied through Low field-NMR. All variables affecting the phase separation are evaluated. Phase characteristics (viscosity, density, interfacial tension) and phase separation kinetic are studied for understanding of separation process and operational parameters in applications. This pH-ATPS has the characters of low interfacial tension, high recovery leading efficient mass transfer and low cost. The proposed system can be used as a mild medium for extractive bioconversion with low cost. We applied this pH-ATPS in extractive bioconversion of cefprozil. Cefprozil is partitioned towards the polymer-rich phase while the substrates tended to be partitioned in the salt-rich phase. Extractive bioconversion of cefprozil in this pH-ATPS can improve yield of the enzymatic process and reduce the product hydrolysis in optimal conditions. The maximal conversion yield of cefprozil in the studied system is 91.0%.