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Cell Co-culture Patterning Using Aqueous Two-phase Systems
Published on: March 26, 2013
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Aqueous two-phase systems - versatile and advanced (bio)process engineering tools
Alexandre M S Jorge1, Jorge F B Pereira1
1University of Coimbra, CERES, FCTUC, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal. jfbpereira@eq.uc.pt.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|October 1, 2024
Summary
Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) offer versatile platforms for separating biomolecules and valuable compounds. These systems are expanding into health, biomedicine, and material sciences, showing great potential for innovation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are liquid-liquid extraction systems used since the 1950s.
- ATPS are biocompatible, flexible, and versatile, addressing challenges in conventional separation methods.
- Applications have expanded from biotechnology to health, biomedicine, and material sciences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the fundamentals and molecular mechanisms of ATPS.
- To explore innovative applications of ATPS in downstream processing.
- To provide insights into integrated upstream-downstream platforms and their use as pre-treatment and analytical tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of fundamental principles of ATPS formation and molecular mechanisms.
- Exploration of prominent and innovative applications in downstream processing.
- Discussion of integrated platforms, pre-treatment, and analytical applications.
Main Results:
- ATPS demonstrate significant potential in various scientific fields.
- New applications include all-aqueous emulsions, microfluidic systems, and membrane-free batteries.
- Advancements are presented in bioengineering and biotechnology.
Conclusions:
- ATPS possess transformative potential across diverse scientific disciplines.
- Future research should focus on maximizing ATPS capabilities and overcoming existing challenges.
- ATPS are poised to drive innovation in biotechnology and beyond.
