Application of Cell Membrane Principles in Molecular Separation Process with Membrane Technology on Food Science

Abstract

The cell membrane is a feature in all types of human cells that functions as separator between inside and outside environment of
the cell and composed of lipoprotein compounds. The function of cell membrane is to regulate entry and exit of substances from the cell through membrane transport system. There are two types of transport on membrane, passive and active transport. Membrane technology is inspired by the role of cell membranes. Membrane separation is a technique of separating mixture of 2 or more components selectively without using heat between two phases, homogeneous or heterogeneous and having different thicknesses. This review aims to determine the application of separation process with membrane technology in food sector and provide an overview, especially in membrane-based protein separation and purification technology. Membrane-based protein separation and purification technology uses membrane process with force of pressure, including microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). Various applications of the separation process with membrane technology on food sector are protein separation at the processing of grain products (cereals), dairy products, beverage products, and animal products.