HEMOGLOBIN EXTRACTION USING COSURFACTANT-FREE NONIONIC MICROEMULSIONS

Oil-continuous microemulsions provide an effective medium as a liquid membrane for extraction of proteins due to high solubilization and low miscibility in aqueous feed. Unlike the use of reverse micelles, this new method employs a preformulated cosurfactant-free nonionic microem ulsion of high water content. The use of nonionic microemulsions for h emoglobin extraction demonstrates the potential for effective separati on of proteins, amino acids, and other biochemicals. The extraction ca n be controlled by adjusting pH and microemulsion composition. It is e nhanced by the addition of an appropriate liquid ion exchanger. The ex traction results cannot be explained only in terms of ionic interactio ns.