Downstream processing of extracellular phytase from Aspergillus niger: Chromatography process vs. aqueous two phase extraction for its simultaneous partitioning and purification

► First report on aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE) for phytase purification. ► Highest phytase recovery of 98.5% in a single step ATPE method so far. ► Studies on chromatography vs. ATPE method for downstream processing of phytase. ► This study offers a viable option to the traditional phytase purification methods.