Optimization of conditions for acid protease partitioning and purification in aqueous two-phase systems using response surface methodology.

Aspergillopepsin I, an acid protease, was purified using an aqueous two-phase system that comprised various combinations of polyethylene glycol (PEG), NaH2PO4 and NaCl. Partition of the enzyme depended upon the molecular mass of the PEG and the presence of NaCl. With PEG 1500, 4000 and 6000, the partition coefficients were increased by 1,500-, 1,800- and 560-fold compared to values without NaCl.