Depletion theory and the precipitation of protein by polymer.
The depletion theory of nanoparticles immersed in a semidilute polymer solution is reinterpreted in terms of depleted chains of polymer segments. Limitations and extensions of mean-field and scaling theories are discussed. An explicit expression for the interaction between two small spheres is also reviewed. The depletion free energy for a particle of general shape is given in terms of the capacitance or effective Stokes radius. This affords a reasonable explanation for the effect of polymer on protein precipitation.
Odijk
Theo
T
Complex Fluids Theory, Kluyver Laboratory of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. odijktcf@wanadoo.nl
D008956:Models, Chemical; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012996:Solutions; D013816:Thermodynamics
D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; D012996:Solutions