The objective of the investigations performed and compiled in this study was to develop submerged membrane systems, using microporous ceramic membranes for the high cell density bioprocesses developed for different products including proteins, metabolites, surfactants and polysaccharides. Characterization and selection of membrane suitable to specific purpose and development of module to be integrated within the bioreactor is discussed. The tests include biomass retention and product removal from yeast (chapter 4) and bacterial (chapter 5) fermentation. Furthermore, the problem of biofouling is discussed and methods for its control have been investigated. Next, the submerged membrane system is tested for controlled substrate feeding in aqueous-two-phase systems (chapter 6), which are usually limited in their use due to very low mass transfer rates between the two immiscible phases. To add on to the range of application of ceramic membranes, especially in submerged form, hydrophobization of the membrane is investigated (chapter 7). The idea is to integrate the bioprocess and the down stream processing via submerged membrane system, thus obtaining a sterile and continuous operation. Ceramic membranes have advantages over their polymeric counterpart owing to their mechanical and thermal strength and environmental friendliness.
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