COF membrane technology for physical removal of off-flavors and aromas

Overview

Wyonano, LLC offers a novel membrane-based filtration technology using Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) to physically remove off-flavors and unwanted aromas from liquid products. The technology functions as a molecular sieve, allowing undesirable small-molecule flavor compounds such as aldehydes, lactones, benzothiazoles, and alcohols to pass through the membrane while retaining larger molecules and desirable flavor compounds. This approach provides beverage and food producers with a physical, additive-free method for improving product taste and quality.

The solution leverages Wyonano's extensive library of over 135 characterized COF structures with varying pore sizes and functional groups, enabling targeted selection or custom design of membranes optimized for specific off-flavor compounds. Initial application focuses on coconut water processing, with potential expansion to other beverages and liquid food products where off-note removal is a challenge.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are nano-porous crystalline materials with precisely tunable pore sizes and surface chemistry
• Membranes fabricated from COFs exhibit extreme selectivity with high permeance at low pressures
• Demonstrated rejection rates exceeding 95% for target molecules in laboratory testing

Key features:

• Molecular sieving mechanism separates compounds based on size and chemical affinity
• Library of 135+ characterized COF structures enables rapid selection of optimal membrane material
• Custom COF design and synthesis available when existing structures do not meet specifications
• High flux performance reduces processing time compared to conventional filtration
• Low-pressure operation minimizes energy consumption

Applications:

• Removal of off-flavors from coconut water and other beverages
• Selective separation of small-molecule contaminants in liquid food products
• Potential adaptation for additional liquid-liquid separations in food and beverage processing

Technology readiness level

The underlying COF membrane technology has been validated through extensive laboratory testing, with membranes demonstrated to achieve over 95% rejection rates for target dye molecules. The COF library and membrane fabrication processes are well established through university research and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. Future validation steps include identifying target off-flavor molecules, selecting or designing an appropriate COF, fabricating small membranes, and testing performance with actual coconut water. Multiple COF iterations are anticipated, as a single structure is unlikely to address all target compounds. The technology is positioned for pilot-scale validation and refinement toward commercial readiness.