Production and Bioconversion Efficiency of Enzyme Membrane Bioreactors in the Synthesis of Valuable Products

Abstract

The demand for bioactive molecules with nutritional benefits and pharmaceutically important properties is increasing, leading researchers to develop modified production strategies with low-cost purification processes. Recent developments in bioreactor technology can aid in the production of valuable products. Enzyme membrane bioreactors (EMRs) are emerging as sustainable synthesis processes in various agro-food industries, biofuel applications, and waste management processes. EMRs are modified reactors used for chemical reactions and product separation, particularly large-molecule hydrolysis and the conversion of macromolecules. EMRs generally produce low-molecular-weight carbohydrates, such as oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and gentiooligosaccharides. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the use of EMRs for the production of valuable products, such as oligosaccharides and oligodextrans, and we discuss their application in the bioconversion of inulin, lignin, and sugars. Furthermore, we critically summarize the application and limitations of EMRs. This review provides important insights that can aid in the production of valuable products by food and pharmaceutical industries, and it is intended to assist scientists in developing improved quality and environmentally friendly prebiotics using EMRs.

Opting for Polyamines with Specific Structural Traits as a Strategy to Boost Performance of Enzymatic Membrane Reactors

“…Among a big variety of EMR configurations [6], EMR system with immobilized enzyme (also known as interfacial EMR) in addition can enhance operational stability of the biocatalyst and thus prolong its lifetime [7,8]. The recent reports on employing such EMR systems for water purification, fabrication of biomedical sensors, clarification of food products, and carbon capture highlight their potential for widespread applications, yet the industrial use of EMRs to this day remains rather limited [6,[9][10][11][12][13].…”