Task-specific ionic liquids for biomolecular applications

I&EC 282

Adam J Walker, adam.walker@bioniqs.com, Bioniqs, Biocentre, York Science Park, York, YO10 5DG, United Kingdom and Neil C Bruce, CNAP, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
Ionic liquids have attracted considerable recent attention as "designer solvents", due to the large number of potential low-melting anion/cation combinations and the significant differences in physical and chemical properties between them. To date, however, most research involving ionic liquids has utilized a limited range of these compounds originally devised for electrochemical applications and little effort has been made to tailor the solvent design process towards the particular requirements of other industrially relevant processes. Based upon our studies into the interactions between ionic liquids and biological molecules, we have developed new classes of ionic liquids specifically optimized as solvents for biochemical processes, including enzyme catalysis, protein stabilization and assay techniques. These materials also offer advantages over conventional ionic liquids in terms of safety, biodegradability, viscosity and cost.