  This paper aims to discuss the use of reverse micelles in downstream
processing of biotechnological products. The interest in this technology is
piqued firstly by various advantages of a liquid-liquid extraction process,
among which are cost effectiveness, and ease of scaling up and implementing a
continuous process for whole broth processing. The use of reverse micelles is
thought to be among the most promising due to the high efficiency and
selectivity being achieved in some systems. However, there are various issues
that have impeded the widespread use of reverse micelles such as the
identification and development of suitable surfactants and ligands; as well as
difficulties in the back extraction process. These issues, as well as latest
developments and applications of reverse micelles in downstream processing of
biotechnological products will be discussed in this paper.
