MEMBRANES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY: CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS

Membranes have always been an important part of a diverse range of biotechnological processes. Nowadays, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, gas separation, chromatography, pervaporation, electrodialysis and other membrane-based processes are integral part of biotechnological production, enabling the resolution of various technological challenges. First membrane systems, used in biotechnology was taken from other fields. However, over the past 45 years, new materials and components have been developed for specific biotechnological applications. Membranes are highly suitable for use with biomolecules: relatively low temperature and pressure, no need for phase transitions or addition of chemical compounds. As a result, the risks of degradation, denaturation or inactivation of biotechnological products are reduced to a minimum. Currently, membrane-based technologies offer the best solutions for processes such as sterilizing filtration, clarification, cell culture cultivation, virus removal, and protein concentration and purification. Processes involving membrane bioreactors and membrane chromatography are becoming more and more common. In the review, the current state of development in membrane technology is presented, as well as the description of materials used for membranes and the characteristics of the membrane systems used in commercial production. Appliance for membrane separation processes can be quite expensive, but it is more energy-efficient than traditional separation methods. Due to their design, membrane systems are typically compact and have a modular structure, which allows to use of the same equipment to solve various tasks. It is discussed that future developments in membrane technology will be able to meet the increasing demands for higher productivity, lower production costs, and accelerate the development of the biotechnology. For citation: Katalevskiy A.D., Smirnov K.V., Smirnova N.N. Membranes in biotechnology: current state and prospects. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2025. V. 68. N 1. P. 6-22. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20256801.7075.