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Performance Characteristics of Nanoporous Carbon Membranes for Protein Ultrafiltration
Author(s) -
Shah Tapan N.,
Foley Henry C.,
Zydney Andrew L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
biotechnology progress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.572
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6033
pISSN - 8756-7938
DOI - 10.1021/bp0701766
Subject(s) - membrane , ultrafiltration (renal) , nanoporous , chemical engineering , materials science , carbon fibers , fouling , chromatography , chemistry , nanotechnology , composite material , biochemistry , composite number , engineering
Nanoporous carbon membranes could be very attractive for applications of ultrafiltration in the biotechnology industry because of their greater mechanical strength and longer membrane life. The objective of this study was to obtain quantitative data on the performance characteristics of nanoporous carbon membranes formed within a stainless steel support that was first modified by deposition of silica particles within the macroporous support. The nanoporous carbon membrane effectively removed small solutes from a protein solution using diafiltration, with performance comparable to that of commercial polymeric membranes. Protein fouling was evident, although the nanoporous carbon membranes were easily regenerated; cleaning with 0.5 N NaOH at 50 °C completely restored the water permeability for multiple cycles. The nanoporous carbon membranes were also compatible with steam sterilization. Significant increases in process flux could be obtained using periodic back‐pulsing, with no evidence of any structural alterations in the membrane. These results clearly demonstrate the potential benefits and opportunities for using nanoporous carbon membranes for protein ultrafiltration.