Removal of BSA using aqueous two-phase system in microfluidic devices

Abstract

Serum albumin is one of abundant serum proteins which block the expression other important biomarkers. The objective of this study is to remove serum albumin effectively by using aqueous two-phase system in microfluidic devices. Aqueous two-phase extraction is biocompatible and widely used for separation of biomolecules. Partitioning of BSA was observed in aqueous two-phase system by changing molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and pH. Microfluidic devices have several advantages over conventional ones: small consumption of sample, low Reynolds number, fast response time, high aspect ratio area to volume and potential for integration with other devices. These characteristics are suitable for biological researches in which precise control is needed for dealing with limited and expensive samples. In this study, aqueous two-phase system was applied to the microfluidic device for protein separation. Microfluidic devices were fabricated by softlithography and PDMS molding process. Effects of width, baffle, flow rates and electric field were considered for the better BSA extraction efficiency.