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A Model-Driven Approach to Assessing the Fouling Mechanism in the Crossflow Filtration of Laccase Extract from Pleurotus ostreatus 202

Summary

Scientists developed a method to purify laccase enzymes from oyster mushrooms using membrane filtration technology. They compared mathematical models to predict how membranes get clogged during filtration and found that using crossflow (tangential) filtration significantly reduces harmful clogging. Understanding these clogging patterns helps improve enzyme purification for use in industrial applications like textile processing and bioremediation.

Background

Membrane technology is widely used for separation and purification of biotechnological products containing proteins and enzymes. Membrane fouling during crossflow filtration remains a significant challenge that compromises the technical and economic viability of membrane-based processes. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing fouling through model-based approaches can enhance prediction of filtration performance and support fouling mitigation strategies.

Objective

This study aims to validate crossflow filtration models describing fouling mechanisms through comparative analysis with dead-end filtration models, specifically examining pore-blocking mechanisms during concentration of laccase extracts from Pleurotus ostreatus 202 fungi. The research investigates complete pore blocking, intermediate pore blocking, standard blocking, and cake layer formation across multiple microfiltration and ultrafiltration stages.

Results

Complete pore blocking significantly impacted MF, UF 1000, UF 100, and UF 10 stages with Kb F values up to 12.60 × 10⁻⁴ m⁻¹. Intermediate pore blocking affected all stages with highest Ki F of 16.70 m⁻¹ in UF 100, correlating with highest purification factor of 6.95 and presence of 65, 62, and 56 kDa laccases. Standard pore blocking occurred only in MF and UF 1000 stages at late filtration phases. No cake formation was observed, and permeate volumes remained approximately 10% above critical fouling values.

Conclusion

Field and Wu’s crossflow filtration models more accurately described fouling mechanisms compared to Hermia’s dead-end models when accounting for crossflow removal. The sequential fouling pattern begins with complete pore blockage, transitions to intermediate pore blocking, and concludes with standard pore blocking in limited stages. Membranes exhibited moderate, non-exhaustive fouling reversible by backwashing, demonstrating the importance of crossflow dynamics in reducing irreversible fouling and extending membrane lifetime.
  • Published in:Membranes (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40863587, DOI: 10.3390/membranes15080226
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