Advances in aqueous biphasic systems for

Amongst the several processes investigated in the Biotechnology field, aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) have been a target of relevant research, particularly in the downstream processing of high-value compounds of biological nature and, more recently, in emerging applications such as in the development of artificial cells and synthetic biology, micropatterning and 3D printing, and sample pretreatment and diagnosis. This review overviews and discusses the recent progress achieved in downstream processes using ABSs, namely by the development of integrated and continuous processes, and in emerging applications where ABSs seem to have strong potential, namely in cellular micropatterning and 3D printing, and in the pretreatment of biological samples to improve diagnosis. Advantages and bottlenecks of ABSs in all these applications are provided and discussed.

Automated summary

ABS has been a subject of significant research in the field of biotechnology, particularly in the downstream processing of high-value biological compounds and emerging applications like artificial cells and synthetic biology. Recent progress focuses on the development of integrated and continuous processes, as well as in cellular micropatterning, 3D printing, and the pretreatment of biological samples to improve diagnosis. The advantages and limitations of ABS in these applications are provided and discussed.