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Published on: February 13, 2016
Protein fouling during microfiltration: comparative behavior of different model proteins
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|July 5, 1997
Summary
Protein structure, charge, and reactivity significantly impact microfiltration fouling. Understanding these factors is key to controlling protein deposition in industrial processes.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Separation Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Protein fouling significantly impacts microfiltration performance, leading to flux decline.
- Previous studies often used single model proteins, limiting generalizability to complex industrial streams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between protein structure and fouling behavior.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of protein fouling in microfiltration systems.
- To determine how protein physicochemical characteristics influence fouling.
Main Methods:
- Microfiltration experiments using a diverse range of proteins with varying characteristics.
- Analysis of fouling mechanisms, including aggregate deposition and chemical attachment.
- Quantification of protein surface charge density and its correlation with flux decline.
Main Results:
- Fouling occurs via protein aggregate deposition and chemical attachment, often involving disulfide linkages.
- Proteins lacking free sulfhydryl groups showed reduced chemical attachment.
- Quasi-steady flux is proportional to the square of protein surface charge density, indicating electrostatic interactions are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Protein structure, charge, and reactivity are critical determinants of fouling rate and extent.
- Electrostatic repulsion and convective drag forces govern protein deposition.
- Findings provide insights for optimizing microfiltration processes to mitigate protein fouling.
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