The effect of dissolved CO~2 on the solubilization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the reverse micelles of bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in isooctane and the stability of the reverse micelles were studied at different AOT concentrations and water contents. It was found that the concentration of the surfactant and the water content in the reverse micelles significantly affected the solubilization of BSA. Most of the BSA in the reverse micelles could be precipitated under suitable conditions, and the mechanism was discussed.

Key words: MICELLE, PROTEIN, SERUM ALBUMIN, CARBON DIOXIDE, SODIUM SULFOSUCCINATE ESTER