Asymmetric partitioning of anions in lysozyme dispersions.

An aqueous dispersion of lysozyme and sodium dodecyl sulfate phase separates below the cloud point. Two liquid phases are formed. At pH < pI electrolytes change the cloud point temperatures (T(c)). These follow an inverse Hofmeister series. Anions partition asymmetrically between the two phases. At fixed cation, the partitioning depends on the specific anion. In a system of finite volume, a concentrated dispersion of a protein is able to act as a chemical "sponge". No active pump is necessary to maintain concentration differences between concentrated and dilute dispersions.