Fabrication and modification of functional and enzymatically active hollow fiber membranes

作者：Maria Adelaida Restrepo Toro · 发表于：RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen) · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.18154/rwth-2025-10754 · 研究领域：Membrane Separation Technologies、Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques、Membrane Separation and Gas Transport

Enzymatic membrane reactors have emerged as powerful tools for process optimization, integrating biocatalysis with membrane separation. The capacity of enzymes to operate under mild conditions (physiological pH and temperature) can significantly lower energy costs while maintaining product quality. However, enzymes degrade under challenging conditions (e.g., high temperatures and organic solvents), limiting their use in industry-relevant processes. To enhance enzyme stability in membrane processes, enzymes are typically immobilized on either the membrane surface or within its matrix. Unfortunately, conventional methods rely on harsh solvents and high temperatures, which degrade enzymes, thus limiting immobilization only after membrane formation. Additionally, most commercial membrane materials lack functional groups for effective enzyme attachment, requiring time-consuming post-modification procedures. This thesis explores innovative techniques for fabricating biocatalytic hollow fiber membranes by directly integrating enzymes and functional materials into the structure, enhancing enzyme stability and introducing new functionalities beneficial to separation processes. Each method improves upon the current state-of-the-art by reducing steps required for enzyme immobilization or by simplifying functionalization. Three methods are discussed: The first method is the fabrication of free-standing, mechanically stable biocatalytic polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hollow fiber membranes...