ABSTRACT
Cloud point extraction (CPE) is proposed as an alternative to classical methods such as the use of acetone powder or ammonium sulfate precipitation for the removal of phenols and chlorophylls during plant protein purification. Triton X-114 was precondensed three times as described elsewhere in the buffer used for plant tissue homogenization previous to using for plant protein purification. The use of the CPE in TX-114 is a useful tool in plant biochemistry since it overcomes the main problems associated with plant protein purification. The CPE has been applied to subcellular fractions isolated from animal, bacterial and plant cells to extract and purify membrane proteins as well as to study the topological orientation of proteins in membranes. The CPE takes advantage of both the solubilizing power of detergents and the phase separation phenomenon occurring beyond the cloud point.
