Phase partitioning experiment (8-IML-1)

Phase partitioning is a method of separating biological cells and macromolecules via their differential distribution in two phase aqueous polymer solutions. The ultimate goal of the experiment is to test the hypothesis that the efficiency of separation of closely related cell types, by partitioning in immiscible aqueous phases, will be enhanced in the non-convective environment provided by space. Before a cell separation experiment can be performed, the demixing of immiscible aqueous polymer solutions must be understood and controlled in order to optimize the experimental conditions for a cell separation experiment in the future. The present Phase Partitioning Experiment (PPE) is the third in a series, the first two flew on STS 51-D in Apr. 1985 and STS 26 in Oct. 1988. In those experiments the immiscible aqueous phases demixed spontaneously at different rates, the final disposition being one in which the phase which wetted the container wall surrounded the second phase which formed an 'egg yolk' in the center of the chamber.