Journal of Membrane Science & Technology

Abstract

Membrane Separation for Food, Medical/Pharmaceutical Applications

K C Khulbe*, T Matsuura and H Savoji

This paper reviews recent work on food, medical/pharmaceutical applications of artificial nanofiber membranes development. The invention of nanofibers opened avenues, towards its application in food and medical/ pharmaceutical. Nanofiber can be made from a wide range of natural, synthetic and hybrid polymers with a variety of physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Nanofibers are one-dimensional materials in fiber shape with diameters in the nanometer range (10 m-9 m). These nanofibers have unique properties such as a high surface-to-volume ratio which offers large surface area, nanoporosity and mass transport properties. Specific attention is given to the application of the membranes in food technology such as, (dairy Industries, purifications of fruit juices etc.) drug delivery systems, cell membranes for cancer treatments, artificial organs, tissue engineering and including its possible uses to fight against corona. Emerging membrane-based organ-on-chip technology was also discussed. The membrane materials, fabrication methods and the current state of the art were also reported and future prospects were discussed.

Published Date: 2024-09-13; Received Date: 2021-05-12