Separation Science and Technology, Vol.52, No.2, 374-380, 2017
Optimal permeate flux for an enzymatic oxidation of technical lignins in a membrane reactor
Enzyme membrane reactor systems (EMRS) offer a promising configuration for an enzymatic lignin modification/valorization by newly versatile peroxidases. This work continues in the same direction as our previous investigations using a 5-kDa tubular ceramic membrane for the fractionation of protein-ligninsulfonate model mixtures. Based on these preliminary studies, an in silico investigation is carried out for approximating the maximum product yield of an EMRS per operation cycle and membrane area. As a result, a permeate flux of 4 L m(-2) h(-1) was optimal for the 5-kDa membrane. In this context, a first assessment is given regarding fluid flow-related losses in versatile peroxidase activity.
Keywords:Enzymatic lignin modification;ceramic ultrafiltration membranes;optimum flux prediction;fluid flow-related enzyme losses