A critical assessment of the Flory-Huggins (FH) theory to predict aqueous two-phase behaviour

This article provides an analysis on published models used to calculate phase separation in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) based on Flory-Huggins (FH) theory, in terms of problem formulation and mathematical solving algorithm. An integrated algorithm is presented, showing different mathematical approaches of using the FH theory. The algorithm...

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS): Exploration and Conceptual Process Design

The enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic material to sugars can provide a carbon source for the production of energy (fuels) and a wide range of renewable products. However, the efficiency of this conversion is impaired due to product (sugar) inhibition. Even though several studies investigate how to overcome this challenge, concepts on...

A robotic platform to screen aqueous two-phase systems for overcoming inhibition in enzymatic reactions

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) can be applied to enzymatic reactions that are affected by product inhibition. In the biorefinery context, sugars inhibit the cellulolytic enzymes in charge of converting the biomass. Here, we present a strategy to select an ATPS (formed by polymer and salt) that can separate sugar and enzymes. This automated...