Spontaneous formation of a coherent membrane at the interface between a non-polar liquid and an aqueous solution of glycoprotein can be used to separate proteins and carbohydrates from tissue fluid and other complex mixtures. When volatile hydrocarbons are used to induce membrane formation, evaporation of organic and aqueous solvents leaves behind a delicate film or powder. The method for extracting glycoprotein from solution and sequestering it in floating membranes can be used to study environmental conditions or to remove carbohydrates from proteins in the tissues of living organisms. This technique can also be used for detecting proteins in solutions.
Patent Number: 7,148,031
Date Issued: December 12 2006