Biological cells compartmentalize biomolecules inside the cytoplasm to allow for localized activity and increased biological functionality. As a bio-inspired approach, we have created a cytoplasm mimic composed of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) of polyethylene glycol and dextran. The ATPS allows for compartmentalization of biological macromolecules such as enzymes via partitioning into one of the aqueous phases. Control over local biomolecule concentration provides a means of localizing the activity of compartmentalized enzymes. Compartmentalization of the enzyme urease can be used to restrict the biocatalyzed precipitation of calcite to one of the phases, controlling the spatial distribution of the resulting mineral.

Aqueous two-phase systems for localized enzyme activity and mineralization

241st National Meeting (2011)

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