Partition of Cell Particles and Macromolecules in Polymer Two-Phase Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the phenomenon of phase separation in polymer–polymer–water mixtures and describes the general behavior of particles and macromolecules in polymer two phase systems. A general problem with all partition methods is that they are highly empirical. Many factors govern the partition behavior. Thus, the physical and chemical nature of the phase polymers, the ionic composition of the phases, the nature of the partitioned substance all influence partition in a complicated manner. It is difficult to predict in detail the behavior of different substances. Time and labor must, therefore, be devoted to find out, more or less by trial and error, suitable solvent systems that can accomplish the desired separations. However, this general problem can be partly overcome by collecting a large number of data on representative substances in a few selected phase systems. If these data can be systematized, then they can be of great help in devising a successful separation experiment on an unknown mixture.