Biomolecule Applications for Membrane-Based Phase Contacting Systems

This paper proposes a first review of potential applications of biomolecules for membrane contactor and reactor design. More exactly, it is shown how by depositing proteins, lipids, chitosan etc. at the surface of a macroporous membrane material, appropriate surface modifications may be induced thus leading to valuable properties as regards various phase contacting, separation or reaction purposes: emulsification, evaporation, enzymatic reaction and so on. This kind of process is particularly valuable where low temperature operations are considered as it is often the case in food industries or biotechnologies. Biocompatibility is improved and easy regeneration of support material at the end of operation may be envisaged with the help of classical cleaning methods. Easy know-how protection and multiuse plants are other arguments which preach in favour of this new approach.