Using Some Physicochemical Properties of Proteins in Coacervate Systems

Coacervates have been extensively investigated for their possible role as protocells in the origin of life on earth. Early work in this area has been reviewed by Yevreinova (1). Other research on coacervation has centered around microencapsulation of substances to isolate or selectively release them for industrial applications (2-10). The purpose of this paper is to review the formation of coacervate systems and the characteristics and alterations of those characteristics of coacervates, and to discuss the results of our investigations of coacervates as models for plant tissue cells. Much of the background material discussed in this paper is based on the excellent review of coacervates by Yevreinova (1). Homogeneous, transparent solutions of proteins, carbohydrates, and other compounds can separate into two layers, one depleted and one enriched with these compounds. The process of separation of macromolecules into discrete entities is termed coacervation. The layer rich in molecules of the dissolved