Membrane Bioreactors for Production and Separation

Membrane bioreactors are highly precise, selective and efficient processes. They are able to contribute to face challenges posed by the need to use green and intensified technologies. In this article, membrane bioreactors fundamentals and applications will be discussed. In particular, the properties and applications of bio-artificial hybrid catalytic membrane systems used in biotechnology for production and separation will be discussed. The work will start with highlights on general aspects of membrane bioreactors, including membrane properties, functions and transport relevant in membrane bioreactors. Kinetics of biocatalysts immobilized in membranes will be also recalled. Afterwards, membrane bioreactors using immobilized biocatalysts such as enzymes and microrganisms for the production and separation of bioactive compounds will be discussed. The effect of immobilization on functional stability and catalytic activity of biocatalysts will be illustrated. Membrane material and morphology as well as physico-chemical properties of reaction environment will be highlighted. Submerged membrane bioreactors for waste water treatment will be shortly presented. Examples of bioreactors investigated at laboratory scale or running at large scale will be also reported.