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Published on: September 22, 2020
Application of membrane technologies in the pharmaceutical industry
1Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Center for Membrane Technologies, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. sirkar@adm.njit.edu
Membrane technologies offer versatile solutions for pharmaceutical production, including purification, waste treatment, and separation of complex mixtures. These advanced membrane applications enhance efficiency and sustainability in drug manufacturing. Keywords: membrane technology, pharmaceutical production, purification, waste treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Membrane separation technologies like reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration are established in pharmaceutical processes for molecule concentration and purification.
- Emerging membrane applications address a wider spectrum of pharmaceutical production needs, from waste management to complex separations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding applications of membrane technologies in pharmaceutical production.
- To highlight advancements in laboratory, pilot, and commercial-scale membrane processes.
- To provide a perspective on the integration of membrane technologies in modern pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and case studies on membrane technology applications in pharmaceuticals.
- Analysis of various membrane processes including nanofiltration, pervaporation, vapor permeation, and tangential flow filtration.
- Examination of membrane use in waste stream treatment, solvent recovery, isomeric separation, reaction enhancement, and biomolecule fractionation.
Main Results:
- Membrane technologies demonstrate efficacy in detoxifying pharmaceutical waste streams and reducing waste volume.
- Vapor permeation enables efficient removal and recovery of solvent vapors from emissions.
- Liquid membranes and membrane-based processes facilitate the separation of enantiomeric/isomeric mixtures and fractionation of protein mixtures.
- Nanofiltration and pervaporation can improve synthesis reaction conversion rates.
Conclusions:
- Membrane technologies are integral to modern pharmaceutical production, offering innovative solutions for purification, separation, and waste management.
- The versatility of membrane processes supports diverse applications, from laboratory research to large-scale commercial manufacturing.
- Continued development and adoption of membrane technologies promise enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and product quality in the pharmaceutical industry.
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