Preparation of Perfluorocarbon Droplets Containing Proteins and Their Application to Protein Separation.

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplets containing proteins were prepared by using perfluorobenzoyl chloride (PFBC) as a modifier. Two procedures for introducing proteins to PFC phase were examined. One was that proteins were directly modified with PFBC to partition the protein to PFC phase (direct method). The other was that dextran was first introduced to PFC droplets by the direct method and then proteins were immobilized through the dextran by using a NaIO₄ oxidization method (dextran-mediated method). In the direct method, there was an optimal concentration of PFBC to obtain maximal activity of the protein introduced. PFC droplets introduced concanavalin A were used for adsorption and separation of horseradish peroxidase (POD). The PFC droplets could adsorb 60% of POD added and 50% of POD adsorbed was recovered from the PFC phase. Moreover, the PFC droplets could be repeatedly used for adsorption and elution of POD.