Importance of gas input in aqueous two-phase flotation (ATPF)

Aqueous two-phase flotation (ATPF) is a new method for separation of biotechnological products like enzymes from crude bio-suspensions. However, more research is needed to develop ATPF on its way to industrial use. Especially the gas input has to meet several demands. An appropriate bubble introduction could be realized via porous media. Bubble sizes were measured using image analysis methods. Impacts of system and flotation parameters on bubble size were monitored. The passage of bubbles through aqueous phase boundary was characterized and an appropriate bubble size window was found for efficient flotation and preventing phase mixing. Increasing the bubble surface area flux led to higher flotation rates and thus faster separation. A linear dependency of flotation rate constant and bubble surface area flux could be determined for ATPF of model enzyme phospholipase A(2). The bubble surface area flux was found to be a key parameter for evaluating gas input. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Aqueous two-phase flotation (ATPF) is a novel method for separating biotechnological products, with a focus on enzymes, from crude bio-suspensions. Further research is needed to develop ATPF for industrial use, particularly in optimizing gas input and bubble size for efficient flotation and prevention of phase mixing. The bubble surface area flux is a key parameter for evaluating gas input efficiency in ATPF.