Membrane Technology Research Articles

Abstract 3160: Silicon membrane technology enables novel live-cell assays for screening impermeable compounds prior to medchem optimization

Abstract Cell permeability poses a significant challenge to understanding target biology and exploring structure/function interactions of potential drug candidates. As a result, many experiments are performed in biochemical or lysate-based systems, which often fail to replicate the conditions of a live cell, leading to expensive and time-consuming downstream failures. Portal Biotechnologies has created an innovative intracellular delivery platform that leverages silicon membrane-based mechanoporation technology to directly deliver otherwise non-permeable cargos, such as small molecules, peptides, PROTACs, DELs, macrocycles, and probes, into the cytosol. Our research shows that mechanoporation causes minimal disruption to cellular function compared to other techniques like electroporation, which tend to impose stricter cargo limitations and inflict more cellular damage. This platform has also shown early success in delivering probe molecules for innovative intracellular assays, including LgBiT/HiBiT systems for protein degradation studies. Furthermore, we have demonstrated efficient co-delivery of diverse cargos like oligonucleotides, antibodies, and nucleic acids, achieving delivery rates exceeding 80% while maintaining cell viability above 80%.The platform has been validated across a variety of cell types, including widely used cancer cell lines and primary cells such as human immune cells and stem cells. The straightforward mechanical delivery approach enables scalability and seamless integration with liquid-handling systems for high-throughput applications. This capability allows for the automated screening of molecules previously unsuitable for live-cell assays, thereby enhancing the efficiency of drug discovery at multiple stages. By enabling live-cell assays, the Portal platform aims to offer novel biological insights, reduce target-related risks, and lower the likelihood of failures during lead optimization. Citation Format: Zhihui Song, Sophia Hirsch, Andrew Laroque, Jacquelyn Hanson, Alec Barclay, Armon Sharei, Darby Kreienberg, Eleni Rogers, Monique Richards, Crystal Tsui. Silicon membrane technology enables novel live-cell assays for screening impermeable compounds prior to medchem optimization. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 3160.

The Multidimensional Impact of Expanded Hemodialysis: A Comprehensive Review.

Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) represents a transformative innovation in renal replacement therapy, addressing the limitations of conventional hemodialysis and high-flux modalities. By employing medium cut-off (MCO) membranes, HDx ensures efficient clearance of middle- and large-molecular-weight uremic toxins, such as β2-microglobulin and cytokines, while selectively retaining vital proteins like albumin. This comprehensive review examines the clinical efficacy, safety, and broader implications of HDx, highlighting its potential to improve outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The review synthesizes findings from comparative studies, emphasizing HDx's superior toxin removal capabilities, particularly for solutes implicated in systemic inflammation and cardiovascular complications. Key mechanisms, including the internal filtration-backfiltration process, contribute to hemodynamic stability and enhanced toxin clearance. HDx demonstrates significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers, improved arterial compliance, and better cardiovascular outcomes compared with traditional methods. Patient-reported outcomes further underscore HDx's benefits, with shorter recovery times, enhanced quality of life, and reduced intradialytic complications. While albumin loss remains a consideration, studies confirm its clinical acceptability and minimal impact on nutritional status. HDx's economic viability, reduced infrastructure requirements, and compatibility with existing systems position it as a cost-effective alternative, especially in resource-limited settings. Despite promising evidence, the review identifies gaps in long-term data, particularly regarding mortality and sustained quality-of-life improvements. Future directions include refining membrane technologies and incorporating personalized medicine approaches to optimize HDx protocols. By bridging these gaps, HDx has the potential to redefine renal replacement therapy, offering a safer, more effective, and scalable solution for CKD management.

Minimizing Carbon Capture Costs in Power Plants: A Dimensional Analysis Framework for Optimizing Hybrid Post‐Combustion Systems

ABSTRACTMitigating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants is crucial for transitioning to a low‐carbon economy, necessitating the development of efficient carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. CCUS technologies are vital for achieving significant emissions reductions, with post‐combustion carbon capture (PCC) emerging as a promising solution. However, high costs and energy penalties hinder its widespread adoption. Recent advancements in hybrid PCC configurations offer improved efficiency and cost reduction, necessitating comprehensive evaluations. This study investigates six feasible hybrid PCC configurations, integrating absorption, absorption, and membrane technologies, to identify the most viable option for CO2 capture from natural gas power plants (NGPPs). A rigorous techno‐economic evaluation is performed using Aspen Hysys design simulation and economic metrics, including investment costs, production costs, net present value, rate of return, levelized cost of electricity, carbon emission intensity, and cost of carbon avoidance. Dimensional analysis reveals the two‐stage membrane + absorbent hybrid (2S‐MB + AB) configuration as the most promising option. It demonstrates significant cost savings potential, with a 25% reduction in carbon capture costs. Sensitivity analyses highlight the critical role of optimal material selection, specifically membranes, and absorbents, in commercializing this technology. The findings contribute to developing efficient and cost‐effective CCUS solutions, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change. The recommended 2S‐MB + AB configuration offers a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions from NGPPs, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. This research informs emissions regulations and incentives for CCUS adoption, guides investment decisions and technology development, and identifies further research and development areas.

Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Membranes: A Review of Research Progress on Design and Predictive Modeling of Properties for Targeted Application

This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based membranes, emphasizing their significance in membrane technology for various applications. The analysis encompasses both experimental and theoretical research articles, with a focus on recent decades, aiming to elucidate the potential and limitations of different fabrication approaches, structure–property relationships, and their applicability in the real world. The review begins by examining the advanced polymeric materials and strategies employed in the design and processing of membranes with tailored properties. Fundamental principles of membrane processes are introduced, with a focus on general modeling approaches for describing the fluid transport through membranes. A key aspect of discussion is the distinction between the membrane performance and process performance. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of PVA membranes in various applications is presented, particularly in environmental fields (e.g., fuel cell, water treatment, air purification, and food packaging) and biomedical domains (e.g., drug delivery systems, wound healing, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, hemodialysis and artificial organs, and ophthalmic and periodontal treatment). Special attention is given to the relationship between membranes’ characteristics, such as material composition, structure, and processing parameters, and their overall performance, in terms of permeability, selectivity, and stability. Despite their promising properties, enhanced through innovative fabrication methods that expand their applicability, challenges remain in optimizing long-term stability, improving fouling resistance, and increasing process scalability. Therefore, further research is needed to develop novel modifications and composite structures that overcome these limitations and enhance the practical implementation of PVA-based membranes. By offering a systematic overview, this review aims to advance the understanding of PVA membrane fabrication, properties, and functionality, providing valuable insights for continued development and optimization in membrane technology.

The State of the Art on PVDF Membrane Preparation for Membrane Distillation and Membrane Crystallization: Towards the Use of Non-Toxic Solvents

Most parts of the earth are covered with water, but only 0.3% of it is available to living beings. Industrial growth, fast urbanization, and poor water management have badly affected the water quality. In recent years, a transition has been seen from the traditional (physical, chemical) wastewater treatment methods towards a greener, sustainable, and scalable membrane technology. Even though membrane technology offers a green pathway to address the wastewater treatment issue on a larger scale, the fabrication of polymeric membranes from toxic solvents is an obstacle in making it a fully green method. The concept of green chemistry has encouraged scientists to engage in research for new biodegradable and non-protic solvents to replace with already existing toxic ones. This review outlines the use of non-toxic solvents for the preparation of PVDF membranes and their application in membrane distillation and membrane crystallization.

Microstructure engineering of silica-derived membranes and their applications in molecular separation

Abstract Silica-derived membranes have gained considerable attention as highly promising molecular separation materials owing to their unique molecular sieve-like porous structure, tunable chemical properties, and outstanding chemical stability. Their potential has already been demonstrated in industrial applications, particularly in solvent dehydration processes, highlighting their commercial viability. This review provides a detailed overview of recent advancements in silica-derived membrane technology for molecular separation. First, we discuss the sol–gel process employed in the fabrication of amorphous silica membranes, with a focus on the resulting structural characteristics and the factors influencing membrane performance. Then, we outline various microstructural engineering strategies designed to enhance hydrothermal stability and separation efficiency under challenging conditions. Additionally, we highlight cutting-edge silica-derived membranes that exhibit outstanding separation performance in gas separation, pervaporation, and reverse osmosis. Finally, we provide insights into the development of silica-derived membranes, emphasizing ongoing challenges and opportunities for further innovation in this field. These advancements are expected to drive the continued evolution of silica membranes for broader applications.

Continuous Dihydrolevoglucosenone Recovery Using Commercial Membrane Technology

Continuous Dihydrolevoglucosenone Recovery Using Commercial Membrane Technology

Editorial: Celebrating 1 year of Frontiers in membrane science and technology

Editorial: Celebrating 1 year of Frontiers in membrane science and technology

Rapid Water Permeation by Aramid Foldamer Nanochannels With Hydrophobic Interiors

AbstractAquaporins are natural proteins that rapidly transport water across cell membranes, maintaining homeostasis, whilst strictly excluding salt. This has inspired their use in water purification and desalination, a critical emerging need. However, stability, scalability, and cost have prevented their widespread adoption in water purification membrane technologies. As such, attention has turned to the use of artificial water channels, with pore‐functionalized polymers and macrocycles providing a powerful alternative. Whilst impressive rates of transport have been achieved, the combination of a scalable, high‐yielding synthesis and efficient transport has not yet been reported. Herein, we report such a system, with densely functionalized channel interiors, synthesized by high‐yielding living polymerization with low polydispersities, showing high salt exclusion and excellent water transport rates. Our aramid foldamers create artificial water channels with hydrophobic interiors and single‐channel water permeability rates of up to 108 water molecules per second per channel, approaching the range of natural aquaporins (c. 109). We show that water transport rates closely correspond to the helical length, with the polymer that most closely matches bilayer thickness showing optimal efficacy, as supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our work provides a basis for the scalable synthesis of next‐generation artificial water channels.

Advancing Ceramic Membrane Technology for Sustainable Treatment of Mining Discharge: Challenges and Future Directions

Mining discharge, namely acid mine drainage (AMD), is a significant environmental issue due to mining activities and site-specific factors. These pose challenges in choosing and executing suitable treatment procedures that are both sustainable and effective. Ceramic membranes, with their durability, long lifespan, and ease of maintenance, are increasingly used in industrial wastewater treatment due to their superior features. This review provides an overview of current remediation techniques for mining effluents, focusing on the use of ceramic membrane technology. It examines pressure-driven ceramic membrane systems like microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration, as well as the potential of vacuum membrane distillation for mine drainage treatment. Research on ceramic membranes in the mining sector is limited due to challenges such as complex effluent composition, low membrane packing density, and poor ion separation efficiency. To assess their effectiveness, this review also considers studies conducted on simulated water. Future research should focus on enhancing capital costs, developing more effective membrane configurations, modifying membrane outer layers, evaluating the long-term stability of the membrane performance, and exploring water recycling during mineral processing.

Solar Energy Based Sea Water Desalination Machine with RO and UV Purifier

Access to clean and potable water is a growing global concern, particularly in coastal and arid regions where freshwater sources are scarce. Traditional desalination tech- niques, such as thermal distillation and conventional reverse osmosis, rely heavily on fossil fuel-based energy sources, leading to high operational costs and significant environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, these systems often require complex infrastructure, making them inaccessible to remote and off-grid communities. To address these challenges, this research presents a novel solar-powered desalination machine that integrates Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet (UV) purification technologies. The proposed system harnesses solar energy to power high-pressure pumps, eliminating dependency on non-renewable energy sources. The RO unit effectively removes dissolved salts and contaminants, while the UV purification stage ensures microbial disinfection, delivering high-quality drinking water. By utilizing renewable energy, the system significantly reduces operational costs and minimizes carbon emissions, mak- ing it an environmentally sustainable and economically viable solution. The impact of this research extends to enhancing water security in remote and disaster-prone areas, providing a decen- tralized, self-sustaining water purification solution. Experimental results demonstrate the system’s efficiency in reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to potable water standards, ensuring safe and reliable water supply. Future advancements will focus on optimizing energy utilization, improving membrane longevity, and integrating smart automation for real-time performance monitoring. This study contributes to the global effort of sustain- able desalination, paving the way for cleaner and more accessible water resources. Index Terms—Solar Energy, Seawater Desalination, Reverse Osmosis (RO), UV Purification, Water Scarcity, Renewable En- ergy Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, Membrane Technology.

3D Nanoscale Structures of Hydrated Polyamide Desalination Membranes Revealed by Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy Tomography.

Desalination via reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology is a preferred solution to the ongoing global challenges of freshwater scarcity. The active separation layer of RO membranes is a polyamide thin film (<200 nm), whose morphology critically influences membrane performance. However, conflicting descriptions of trends between morphology and performance abound in the literature due to the lack of a rigorous morphological description of these membranes. Notably, comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) morphological characterization of these membranes has so far been conducted exclusively under dry conditions, which contrasts with the operational, hydrated state of these membranes. Here, we present, for the first time, characterization of the hydrated 3D nanoscale morphology of polyamide films from commercial brackish water (BW) and seawater (SW) membranes using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) tomography. Our findings reveal significant morphological differences between hydrated and dry membranes, resulting in variations in key structural parameters that impact performance. Both SW and BW membranes swell and increase in total volume and thickness upon hydration, with BW membranes exhibiting more pronounced swelling (32% vs 7% in volume and 35% vs 11% in effective thickness), primarily due to the lower degree of cross-linking of BW membranes. Additionally, while the surface area decreases upon hydration for both SW and BW membranes, indicating a smoothing of surface nodules and cavities, surface roughness remains unchanged, suggesting that current roughness measurement methods such as atomic force microscopy do not capture intrinsic morphological features. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of employing cryo-TEM tomography techniques to characterize RO membrane morphology under operation relevant conditions, thus enabling a better linkage between membrane morphology and performance.

Removal of Polypropylene Particle Contaminants Using Membrane Technology to Mitigate Microplastics Pollution in the Environment

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly pervasive in global water bodies, raising environmental and health concerns due to their small size and potential for bioaccumulation. Once inside the body, MPs are difficult to degrade, leading to potential health risks. Ongoing research seeks effective method mitigate MP contamination, with membrane technology emerging as a promising approach to remove MP pollutant from water. This research focuses on the ability of membranes to remove polypropylene (PP) MP particles. Distilled water samples containing PP plastic particles were prepared to assess the effectiveness and mechanism of PP removal through membrane technology. Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were operated were operated under specific pressure criteria for each type. The MP removal efficiency was calculated based on the rejection coefficient of each membrane. The MF membrane showed a rejection coefficient up to 99%, while the UF membrane gained a perfect rejection rate of 100%. This study confirms that membrane technology is a viable solution for managing MP pollution in aquatic environment. Membrane technology has been proven to be a potential solution for managing MP pollution in aquatic environment.

Co-occurrence of arsenic and sewage pollutants in surface and groundwater and its implications for water treatment using membrane technology.

Co-occurrence of arsenic and sewage pollutants in surface and groundwater and its implications for water treatment using membrane technology.

Ultrathin zwitterionic COF membranes from colloidal 2D-COF towards precise molecular sieving.

Ultrathin zwitterionic COF membranes from colloidal 2D-COF towards precise molecular sieving.

Mechanism and molecular level insight of refractory dissolved organic matter in landfill leachate treated by electroflocculation coupled with ozone

Mechanism and molecular level insight of refractory dissolved organic matter in landfill leachate treated by electroflocculation coupled with ozone

Release of microplastics from polymeric ultrafiltration membrane system for drinking water treatment under different operating conditions.

Release of microplastics from polymeric ultrafiltration membrane system for drinking water treatment under different operating conditions.

Diffusive nature of different gases in graphite: Implications for gas separation membrane technology

Diffusive nature of different gases in graphite: Implications for gas separation membrane technology

Hybrid membrane-vacuum pressure swing adsorption: low-cost technology for simultaneous biomethane and carbon dioxide production from biogas.

Hybrid membrane-vacuum pressure swing adsorption: low-cost technology for simultaneous biomethane and carbon dioxide production from biogas.

Evaluating the economic potential of membrane technologies for post-combustion in existing combustion systems: Comparison with MEA-based system

Evaluating the economic potential of membrane technologies for post-combustion in existing combustion systems: Comparison with MEA-based system