Self-forming dynamic membranes for concurrent filtration and fermentation
Innovative self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors utilize inexpensive materials to create a biofilm layer for effective solid-liquid separation during fermentation. This system integrates filtration and fermentation, reducing costs and physical footprint.
Overview
The self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactors (DMBRs) present an innovative solution for concurrent filtration and fermentation processes. Utilizing inexpensive support materials like stainless-steel mesh, these bioreactors form a dynamic membrane (DM) biofilm cake layer. This layer functions similarly to the biofouling layer in traditional systems but is naturally formed from suspended solids, including microbial cells, enabling efficient solid-liquid separation. This integration reduces the need for multi-step filtration systems, thereby decreasing both the physical footprint and operational costs.
Technical specifications
- Support Materials: Utilizes stainless-steel mesh (10-200 microns) or alternate support materials for DM formation.
- Dynamic Membrane Formation: In-situ formation and reformation through microbial and particulate deposition.
- Filtration and Fermentation Integration: Enables direct integration with downstream separation units.
- Applications: Effective in handling high-solids streams like cheese whey, fermented food waste, and brewery waste.
- Enhanced Biological Activity: DM biofilm is enriched with microbial populations aiding fermentation, boosting biological activity.
- Customizable Design: Engineers can optimize membrane module configuration, DM formation strategies, and operational conditions.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, the DMBR technology has been validated in lab-scale settings, demonstrating over 99% solids-liquid separation. Future validation includes lab-scale testing, scale-up design, pilot testing, and industry deployment, aiming for full commercial readiness.
About Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a comprehensive private research university headquartered in Baltimore with a large research enterprise and a culture of discovery and translation. Integrated with a major academic health system, the university offers access to clinicians, patient populations, biorepositories, and audited trial operations. A research park near the medical campus, plus startup incubators and corporate engagement teams, enable co-location, pilots, and fast iteration. A major university‑affiliated research center expands applied R&D and prototyping capacity, and proximity to Washington, DC links partners to federal agencies and regulators. Research is supported by federal funding from NIH, NSF, DoD, and others, and a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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