Gas hydrate formation in reversed micelles
- Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA (United States)
We describe a technique to modify protein solubility and optimize enzyme activity in reversed micellar solutions. The technique is based on the ability of hydrates of natural gas to form in the microaqueous phase. Clathrate hydrates are crystalline inclusions of water and gas, and their formation in bulk water has traditionally been studied with relevance to natural gas recovery. We have found that hydrates can form in the environment of the microaqueous pools of reversed micelles, and that their extent of formation can be well controlled through the thermodynamic variables of temperature and pressure. Additionally, formation of hydrates affects the size and aggregation number of the micelles, and thus influences the solubility and conformation of encapsulated proteins. We demonstrate how the concept can be used in two applications: (1) protein extraction into reversed micelles and subsequent recovery, and (2) optimization of enzyme activity in reversed micelles.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Badger Engineers, Inc., Tampa, FL (United States); Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 431627
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-900512-; TRN: 96:006510-0071
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 12. symposium on biotechnology fuels and chemicals, Gatlinburg, TN (United States), 7-11 May 1990; Other Information: PBD: 1991; Related Information: Is Part Of Twelfth symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals; Greenbaum, E. [ed.] [Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)]; Wyman, C.E. [ed.] [Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (United States)]; PB: 934 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Interfacial solvation and slow transport of hydrated excess protons in non-ionic reverse micelles
Micellar solubilization of biopolymers in organic solvents. Part 5. Activity and conformation of. cap alpha. -chymotrypsin in isooctane-aot reverse micelles