Separation of functional macromolecules and micromolecules: From ultrafiltration to the border of nanofiltration

The recovery of functional compounds from underutilized bioresources is today accomplished in five distinct stages, whereas ultrafiltration has been utilized for the separation and the clarification of macromolecules from smaller molecules or the opposite. The current article highlights the outcomes of an integral study including research articles, which cover the separation mechanisms dominating during UF (from 100 to 1 kDa) of different feed solutions and extracts, under similar processing conditions. Target macromolecules concern dietary fibers (i.e. pectin, β-glucan), proteins and polymeric anthocyanins, while assayed micromolecules were sugars, cations, monomeric anthocyanins and different phenolic classes such as o-diphenols, hyxrodycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols.