A simple complexation model and the experimental data for protein extraction using reverse micellar systems

The reverse micelles have been used for extraction and purification of proteins and enzymes in downstream processing. In this study a simple complexation model was developed for protein extraction using reverse micelles. We assumed that the size of protein-reverse micelle complex is a function of net charge of protein and salt concentration. The model has been applied to correlate the experimental data for reverse micellar extraction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme. The solutions of reverse micelles for extraction of BSA and lysozyme were composed of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic surfactant, and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (NaDEHP), an anionic surfactant, respectively. Moreover, the effects of surfactant concentration, pH of aqueous phase, and salt concentration were investigated. In comparison with experiment the results of the model for both systems are in very good agreement.