Review of Membrane Separation Models and Technologies: Processing Complex Food-Based Biomolecular Fractions

Abstract

There is growing interest in the food industry to develop approaches for large-scale production of bioactive molecules through continuous downstream processing, especially from sustainable sources. Membrane-based separation technologies have the potential to reduce production costs while incorporating versatile multiproduct processing capabilities. This review describes advances in membrane technologies that may facilitate versatile and effective isolation of bioactive compounds. The benefits and drawbacks of pressure-driven membrane cascades, functionalized membranes and electromembrane separation technologies are highlighted, in the context of their applications in the food industry. Examples illustrate the separation of functional macromolecules (peptides, proteins, oligo/polysaccharides, plant secondary metabolites) from complex food-based streams. Theoretical and mechanistic models of membrane flux and fouling are also summarized. Overcoming existing challenges of these technologies will provide the food industry with several attractive options for bioprocessing operations.