Recovery of B19 virus-like particles by aqueous two-phase systems

The development of process routes for the recovery of intracellular 819 virus-like particles by aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) was investigated in this study. Two processes have been developed which may prove advantageous when compared to the conventional recovery processes. One process was designed to recover B19 particles from the bottom phase of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1000-magnesium sulphate system while removing cell debris and 31% of total protein with the top phase, interface and sediment. With regard to the analysis of VP1 and VP2 capsid protein after extraction, the yield of 819 particles in the bottom phase was 92.8% or 85.7%, respectively. In an alternative process, B19 particles were recovered from a clarified cell disruptate by interfacial partition. With regard to VP1 and VP2 proteins, 95.3% or 33.2%, respectively was recovered in the interface of a PEG 1000-magnesium sulphate system. (C) 2010 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.