Extractive bioconversions in aqueous two-phase systems
Although extractive bioconversions in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been studied for over a decade, this has not yet resulted in widespread industrial application. The main reasons are the cost of the phase-forming polymers and the complexity of ATPS behavior. A number of recent developments may give a new impetus to this technology. First of all, the use of extractive bioconversions in ATPSs has recently been extended to high-value protein products, while in the meantime the development of low-cost ATPSs is ongoing. Furthermore, novel chromatographic methods enable the analysis of polymer and metabolite compositions in complex ATPS mixtures, and recently employed statistical experimental designs provide a tool for efficient data gathering, while they also reveal synergistic effects between process parameters. Together, these developments open the way towards improved modeling of partitioning behavior in ATPSs.
Zijlstra
GM
Gist-brocades/Bio-Intermediair BV PO Box 454, 9700 AL, Groningen, The Netherlands gerben.zijlstra@gist-brocades.infonet.com
Gooijer
CD
Tramper
J