A method for the selective separation of components from the hydrophobic phase of reverse - micellar systems or of w / o - microemulsions

摘要

Process for selective sepn. of components from the hydrophobic phase of reverse micellar systems or from W/O microemulsions comprises allowing the reverse micellar system or the microemulsion to flow past one side of a membrane which is permeable to the components to be sepd. and impermeable to the surfactant and the hydrophilic droplets, while maintaining a lower partial pressure of the components to be removed on the permeate side of the membrane than exists in the reverse micellar system or microemulsion, and selectively removing the components from the reverse micellar system or microemulsion by pervaporation, pertraction or membrane distillation. USE/ADVANTAGE - Useful for continuous selective recovery of the useful prods. from biotechnical processes carried out using biocatalysts such as enzymes and microorganisms, without destroying the two-phase system and without damage to the biocatalyst, so that the reverse micelles or hydrophilic droplets are retained and the biocatalyst continues to function so that the bioreactor can be run continuously. High retention of the surfactant is achieved together with excellent selective sepn. of the prods. to be recover