Aqueous Two-Phase System (ATPS)-Based Polymersomes for Particle Isolation and Separation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) offer biocompatible separation of biomolecules.
• Existing methods like ultracentrifugation and microfluidics struggle with low-concentration biomolecule isolation.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial biomarkers requiring efficient separation techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved ATPS-based method for efficient separation and purification of biomolecules, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs).
• To address the limitations of current separation techniques in handling low concentrations of biomolecules.
• To create stable and controllable ATPS droplets for enhanced biomolecule isolation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized triple emulsion droplets with an oil phase to stabilize aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets.
• Engineered monodisperse ATPS-based polymersomes for enhanced stability and isolation.
• Employed osmotic-pressure-induced rupture in a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) solution for selective EV separation within dextran (DEX)-rich droplets.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced highly monodisperse and stable ATPS-based polymersomes.
• Demonstrated effective isolation of model extracellular vesicle (EV) particles using the developed ATPS droplet system.
• Achieved separation of EVs in a single dextran (DEX)-rich droplet through controlled polymersome rupture.

Conclusions:

• The novel ATPS droplet strategy provides a robust and efficient method for isolating low-concentration biomolecules like EVs.
• This approach enhances the stability and controllability of ATPS systems for biomolecule purification.
• The technique offers a promising advancement for biomarker discovery and bioseparation applications.