Invertase (beta-D-fructofuronoside fructohydrolase) is an industrially important enzyme useful for the hydrolysis of sucrose. The potential of aqueous two phase extraction for the isolation and purification of invertase from crude baker's yeast is explored. Influence of the process parameters such as type of phase forming salts. PEG molecular weight, concentration of salt and polymer, tie line length and volume ratio on partitioning of invertase was studied. PEG 3350/magnesium sulphate system was found most suitable for the extraction which has resulted in favorable pH (5 +/- 0.2) for the enzyme extraction. Polymer and salt concentration were found to significantly affect the degree of purification and enzyme recovery of invertase. The purity of similar to 8.81 fold was obtained compared to crude extract with recovery of 77% at the standardized process conditions. Overall results demonstrated the feasibility of aqueous two phase extraction for the isolation and purification of invertase without the need of multiple steps. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.