PROTEIN-PURIFICATION BY SELECTIVE PHASE-SEPARATION WITH POLYELECTROLYTES

Proteins phase separate in the presence of synthetic polyelectrolytes as a consequence of electrostatic interactions. This phenomenon may fo rm the basis of protein separations and has therefore been of technolo gical interest. In this review, we consider previous reports of such p hase separation, and attempt to describe the effects of various releva nt factors, such as polymer MW, ionic strength, and macromolecular con centration. Models far protein-polyelectrolyte complexation are discus sed. Current challenges and problems are noted.