Single-Step Partitioning in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Partitioning in aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) provides a rapid and gentle means of separation of soluble as well as particulate biomaterials, e.g. proteins, nucleic acids, cells, viruses, organelles, and membranes. Partitioning between the two phases is a complex phenomenon, guided mainly by the interaction of the partitioned substance and the phase components, e.g., through hydrogen bonds, van der Waals-, hydrophobic-, and electrostatic- interactions, steric-, and conformational effects, etc. (1 ,2 ).