Membrane processes are increasingly used in pharmaceutical and biochemical engineering and biotechnology for concentration and purification, synthesis of molecules and drug delivery systems, and support for biochemical reactions. This book provides a state-of-the art overview of the classical membrane processes used in pharmaceutical and biochemical engineering and biotechnology, such as ultrafiltration, microfiltration, virus filtration, membrane chromatography, membrane emulsification, liquid membranes and membrane bioreactors. It describes the general rules (principles, choice of configurations, membranes, parameters, etc.), recent developments (fouling control, increase permeate flux and selectivity, etc.), applications, and theoretical descriptions. Further, it presents emerging processes such as solvent resistant nanofiltration and membrane crystallization. - Presents classical membrane processes such as ultrafiltration, microfiltration, virus filtration, membrane chromatography, membrane emulsification, liquid membranes and membrane bioreactors - Presents emerging processes such as solvent resistant nanofiltration and membrane crystallization - Gives a complete description of each technique (principles, membrane materials and devices, fouling control, and theoretical description) - Contains numerous examples of applications - Includes a uniform notation throughout the book enhancing the presentation and understanding of the content - Includes extensive list of references

It is well known that basic science can trigger an invention of considerable technological and commercial importance. Indeed basic science and invention are often inextricably linked, each being able to catalyse the other. To engender such developments it is important that there should be good communication between the scientist and the technologist. The field of membrane biotechnology is a growing field where such communication is increasingly taking place and where new inventions are occurring. This book provides an overview of this developing field. It contains chapters by scientist and technologists working in the field of Membrane Biotechnology. The chapters cover the latest advances in basic science as well as some recent technological applications. The basic topics include the application of dynamic X-ray diffraction to lipid water systems, FTIR spectroscopy applied to membrane proteins, fluorescent analogues of phosphoinositides, studies of platelet activating factor, antibody binding to model membranes and phospholipase C induced fusion. The technological topics described include the development of new haemocompatible materials based upon biomembrane mimicry, new lung surfactant materials, drug delivery systems including liposomes and the development of new biosensors including Langmuir Blodgett films. The meeting showed that there are many other useful applications in the pipeline. The potential for new polymeric drug delivery systems, of ion selective systems based on the knowledge of ion-channel protein structures, of new plastics for cell growth and cellular engineering for artificial organs. These are among the interesting developments that are emerging in this field.

Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes: Membrane Processes in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological field presents the main membrane techniques along with their basic principles, mode of operations, and applications. It covers well-known techniques such as ultrafiltration and membrane chromatography, while also exploring emerging membrane technologies which are finding their way in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including membrane emulsification, membrane bioreactors, and solvent-resistant nanofiltration. State-of-the-art applications of membrane systems in areas such as drug delivery and virus removal are also investigated by leading experts in the field. Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes: Membrane Processes in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological field is a definitive reference for academics, post-graduates, and researchers in the subjects of biochemical engineering, pharmaceutics, and biotechnology. It is also useful to R&D companies and institutions in these areas, specifically those interested in bioseparations, biopurification, bioproduction, and drug delivery. - Offers an overview of classical membrane-based separation techniques such as ultrafiltration, microfiltration and virus filtration - Discusses emerging membrane-based separation techniques such as nofiltration in the presence of solvent, membrane emulsification and membrane crystallization - Outlines their applications to bioseparation, biopurification and bioproduction - Includes examples in the production of vaccines, antibiotics, biomolecules, drugs, DNA and cells - Lists membranes systems for drug delivery like liposomes, nanocapsules and bilayer membranes

Membrane techniques provide a broad science and technology base. Although there are several books in the traditional membrane field, there is a great need for a highly comprehensive book. This refereed book covers materials from highly respected researchers. This title is highly multidisciplinary in nature and should be extremely valuable to scientists and engineers involved in a variety of activities. Students and faculty members around the world will find this title to be an excellent reference book. - Invited contributions from leading researchers in the field - Coverage of topic is of value to scientists/engineers working in a variety of related fields [separations/reactions, advanced biofunctional materials, contactor designs] - Aims to fill market gap for a highly comprehensive book containing advances in both synthetic and biofunctional/bimimetic membranes

In the last decade, the attention paid to the environmental protection has generated a considerable interest towards the development of new energy carriers and green energy production methods. Hydrogen as an energy carrier becomes a potential important source of energy due to its neutral environmental impact. However, its production, transformation and purification, presents a challenge in the so called hydrogen economy. Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes gives a comprehensive review on the present state of the art of the hydrogen production and purification using new and alternative technologies stressing green processes and environment protection. The book covers green processes, renewable feedstocks utilization and membrane reactor technology for hydrogen production in line with new process intensification strategy. The book is divided in four sections, ie fundamentals of hydrogen generation, its impact on environmental issue, new applications involving hydrogen and its storage and distribution. The main scope of this book is to offer a new horizon on hydrogen generation and utilization. It stresses the role of new technologies for hydrogen generation, including the "micro-reactors technology for portable applications”, their combination with high temperature fuel cells, the role of gas-separation for both hydrogen purification and CO2 sequestration, the exploitation of renewable sources (biogas, bioethanol and other renewables feedstocks) in reforming processes useful to generate hydrogen, membrane and membrane reactor technology as well as membrane bio-reactors etc.

Ultrafiltration for Bioprocessing is key reading for all those involved in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical areas. Written by a leading worker in the area, it includes many practical applications and case studies in the key process of ultrafiltration (UF), which is used in almost every bioprocess. - Focuses on ultrafiltration for biopharmaceuticals—other books look at general ultrafiltration or general biopharmaceuticals - A mix of theory and practical applications—other books tend to be more theory-oriented - Addresses the main issues encountered in development and scale-up through recommendations and case studies

Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes: Carbon Dioxide Separation/Capture by Using Membranes explores the unique property of membranes to separate gases with different physical and chemical properties. The book covers both polymeric and inorganic materials for CO2 separation and explains their mechanism of action, allowing for the development and most appropriate and efficient processes. It also lists the advantages of using membranes instead of other separation techniques, i.e., their low operating costs and low energy consumption. This book offers a unique opportunity for scientists working in the field of membrane technology for CO2 separation and capture. - Outlines numerous membrane-based technologies for CO2 separation and capture - Lists new, advanced separation techniques and production processes - Includes various applications, modelling, and the economic considerations of each process - Covers advanced techniques for the separation of CO2 in natural gas