From biological membrane processes to industrial membrane technologies

• Published in: Bioelectrochemistry and Bioenergetics Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 121 - 129
• Main Author: Buvet, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier S.A 1987
• Subjects: membranes; reviews
• ISSN: 0302-4598
• DOI: 10.1016/0302-4598(87)80014-4

Works relating to the molecular origin and evolution of life have confirmed that the physical chemistry of living systems is built through a long autocatalytic evolution with the most efficient catalysts and functional structures possible. Consequently, it appeared worthwhile to use biological catalysts and membranes for technological purposes. This approach is improper when attempting to use biological catalysts and membranes as such for fulfilling the functions which they fulfil in vivo, because the physicochemical conditions prevailing in industrial reactors and in biological systems are not identical. Then, it is much more advisable to simulate biological functions, e.g. involving membranes, by transposing the principles ruling them, in properly built artificial catalysts or membranes, with a proper reoptimisation to the conditions prevailing in industrial technologies. Some examples of such simulations of biological membrane functions are given for transposing the primary acts of photosynthesis or saline diffusion to practical purposes. Principles of an industrial programme aimed at developing these opportunities based on a polyvalent production of membranes are reviewed.