Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction Advances for Bioseparation

Aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE), unique liquid-liquid extraction, involves a transfer of solute from one aqueous phase to another. ATPE includes polymer–polymer type and polymer–salt type systems for the recovery of proteins. The protein must be recovered in a highly purified form in order to improve its quality, decrease energy consumption, reduce waste and minimize costs. To acquire the high value and achieve good control over processes, the reliable, multi-component products are required especially those with the ability to investigate complex processing conditions. The current reviewing paper discusses the most recent progresses for the recovery of biomolecules by using the ATPE, covering the mechanism, which controls the phase formation and the behavior of solute partitioning in aqueous twophase systems (ATPS) processes. The review discusses also the increasing application for the recovery of high-value bioproducts, the recent development of alternative low cost ATPS and disadvantages attributed to ATPS.