The partition of protoporphyrin IX and the phthallocyanine dye, propyl astra blue iodide, in aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) and onto aqueous biphasic extraction chromatographic (ABEC(TM)) resins has been examined. Solubility of protoporphyrin IX was found to be too low for recovery by ABS other than by use of thermoseparating surfactants. Partitioning behavior of the phthallocyanine dye was found to depend on the salting-out strength of the salt. As a result of the partition of this dye to the interface of ABS, the adoption of ABEC for recovery of this dye is more favorable.