Use of pervaporation-bioreactor hybrid processes in biotechnology

Abstract

Pervaporation is a membrane separation process with considerable innovative possibilities in the area of biotechnology. Above all, the combination of bioreactor and pervaporation has potential in the longer term as an alternative to conventional batch processes. This article considers the state of the art pervaporation-bioreactor hybrid processes. The possible applications of such hybrid processes are discussed and compared with conventional processes. It becomes apparent that the use of pervaporation-bioreactor hybrid processes can avoid product inhibition and greatly enhance the productivity of biotechnological processes. © WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, ,2000.