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Solubilization and Activity of Proteins in Compressible-Fluid Based Microemulsions

Abstract

We have used the pressure dependency of density in near critical propane to design a novel protein extraction system. Active, structurally intact, proteins have been extracted from an aqueous phase into subcritical propane containing the non-ionic detergent polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate (Tween-85). The pressure dependence of protein transfer from the aqueous to organic phase is described for cytochrome C and subtilisin. The effect of the microemulsion and compressible propane on protein structure and function is also discussed. The first determinations of kinetic constants for an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in such a system are also presented.

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Ayala, G., Kamat, S., Komives, C. et al. Solubilization and Activity of Proteins in Compressible-Fluid Based Microemulsions. Nat Biotechnol 10, 1584–1588 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1292-1584

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