Membrane cuts separations costs.

University of Arkansas researchers (Department of Biochemical Engineering, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR 72701) have developed a membrane that can reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of filtration, a critical process that is used in industries ranging from foods to pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. Not only is this protein-based membrane less expensive to produce than traditional polymer membranes, it is a "green" technology--created from renewable resources.

Researchers created the membrane from whey protein isolate (WPI) that is best suited for microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes, in which all but very tiny particles are filtered out of a liquid. For instance, when milk is processed, an ultrafilter is used to remove all of the particles of butterfat and chunks of protein before the milk is pasteurized. Interestingly, it is this whey protein that is used in making the WPI membrane.

This is a novel approach to membrane fabrication and, more importantly, the WPI membrane is highly compatible for a number of biomedical applications, according to scientists. Polymeric membranes have been used for a long time, but there is a definite need for more biocompatible membrane materials for biomedical applications and other separations.

The WPI membrane is also highly resistant to solvents found in foods and pharmaceuticals. Because of this, it can be used to refine vegetable oils and other solvent-intensive processes. A patent is pending on the membrane.

Scientists first developed the WPI membrane while trying to improve the biocompatibility of membranes. Biocompatibility is an issue for membranes in medical applications because incompatible polymeric membranes can cause blood clots and other serious issues. Investigators are working on specific applications for the membrane.

Further information. Bob Beitle; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].