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Protein fouling in microfiltration: deposition mechanism as a function of pressure for different pH
C Velasco1, M Ouammou, J I Calvo
1Departamento de Termodinámica y Fi;sica Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valladolid, 47071 Valladolid, Spain.
Abstract:
The influence of applied pressure on the fouling mechanism during bovine serum albumin (BSA) dead-end microfiltration (MF) has been investigated for a polyethersulfone acidic negatively charged membrane (ICE-450) from Pall Co. BSA solutions at pH values of 4, 5 (almost equal to the protein isoelectric point, IEP), and 6 were microfiltered through the membrane at different applied transmembrane pressures. Results have been analyzed in terms of the usual blocking filtration laws and a substantial change in the fouling mechanism was observed as the pressure was increased, this change can be related to the specific membrane-protein and protein-protein interactions.
Insights
Applied pressure significantly alters bovine serum albumin (BSA) fouling in microfiltration. Increased pressure changes the fouling mechanism due to protein interactions with the membrane and other proteins.
Area of Science:
- Membrane science and technology
- Bioseparations
- Protein fouling studies
Background:
- Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a common protein used in bioseparation studies.
- Membrane fouling is a critical challenge in microfiltration (MF) processes.
- Understanding fouling mechanisms is essential for optimizing filtration efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of applied pressure on BSA fouling during dead-end microfiltration.
- To analyze fouling mechanisms across different pH values and transmembrane pressures.
- To elucidate the role of membrane-protein and protein-protein interactions in fouling.
Main Methods:
- Dead-end microfiltration of BSA solutions using a polyethersulfone membrane (ICE-450).
- Filtration experiments conducted at varying applied transmembrane pressures.
- Analysis of fouling behavior using established blocking filtration laws.
- BSA solutions prepared at pH 4, 5 (near isoelectric point), and 6.
Main Results:
- A significant shift in the fouling mechanism was observed with increasing applied pressure.
- The observed changes in fouling are linked to specific interactions between BSA and the membrane.
- Protein-protein interactions also play a crucial role in the altered fouling behavior at higher pressures.
Conclusions:
- Applied pressure is a key factor influencing BSA fouling mechanisms in microfiltration.
- Membrane-protein and protein-protein interactions are critical determinants of fouling behavior under varying pressures.
- This study provides insights into controlling fouling by managing operational pressure in bioseparation processes.