Issue 3, 2021

The study and application of biomolecules in deep eutectic solvents

Abstract

Biomolecules have been thoroughly investigated in a multitude of solvents historically in order to accentuate or modulate their superlative properties in an array of applications. Ionic liquids have been extensively explored over the last two decades as potential replacements for traditional organic solvents, however, they are sometimes associated with a number of limitations primarily related to cost, convenience, accessibility, and/or sustainability. One potential solvent which is gaining considerable traction in recent years is the so-called deep eutectic solvent which holds a number of striking advantages, including biodegradability, inherently low toxicity, and a facile, low-cost, and solventless preparation from widely available natural feedstocks. In this review, we highlight recent progress and insights into biomolecular behavior within deep eutectic solvent-containing systems, including discussions of their demonstrated utility and prospects for the biostabilization of proteins and nucleic acids, free enzyme and whole-cell biocatalysis, various extraction processes (e.g., aqueous biphasic systems, nanosupported separations), drug solubilization, lignocellulose biomass treatment, and targeted therapeutic drug delivery. All indications point to the likelihood that these emerging solvents have the capacity to satisfy the requirements of environmental responsibility while unlocking biomolecular proficiency in established biomedical and biotechnological pursuits as well as a number of academic and industrial ventures not yet explored.

Graphical abstract: The study and application of biomolecules in deep eutectic solvents

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
04 Шіл. 2020
Accepted
28 Қыр. 2020
First published
08 Жел. 2020

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021,9, 536-566

Author version available

The study and application of biomolecules in deep eutectic solvents

J. A. Kist, H. Zhao, K. R. Mitchell-Koch and G. A. Baker, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021, 9, 536 DOI: 10.1039/D0TB01656J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements