FACTORS INFLUENCING AGGREGATION OF MACROMOLECULES IN SOLUTION

Aggregation of macromolecules is induced by physical, chemical or biol ogical changes in the molecular state. Some observations of macromolec ular aggregation in the literature are surveyed in this article. Examp les of aggregates formed after a biological change are given. Inclusio n bodies can be found in bacteria, where some may be larger than 1 mum in diameter. Radiation, sonication, shear and various kinds of heat t reatment, such as evaporation, spray-drying or boiling, are reviewed a s examples of common unit operations that cause aggregation. Chemicall y induced aggregation due to change in pH, ionic strength, enzymes, te nsides or solvents is surveyed. Finally, some mathematical models of m acromolecular aggregation are summarized. As a general rule for aggreg ation, an increase in energy results in an increase in aggregation.