Internal membrane fouling by proteins during microfiltration

The current study aimed to understand both external and internal membrane fouling by three proteins with different net charges, namely, negatively charged pepsin bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well positively lysozyme. Polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE) membranes were used. Per electrostatic attraction, the flux decline was worst for lysozyme, which is attributed model greatest pore blockage (?) constriction (?), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) optical coherence tomography (OCT) most extensive fouling. Between BSA, BSA gave worse despite its more negative charge. indicates that greater denser cake (Rc/Rm), while quartz crystal microbalance dissipation (QCM-D) a rigid structure. Notably, monotonic filtration, OCT voxel trends show significant fluctuations, has not been reported before thus signify unique behavior of protein foulants in straight-through pores. Specifically, below above ?4.5 ?m layer (i.e., 4.5 feed-membrane interface) are perfectly opposite, indicating non-uniform deposits slipping downwards pores filtration progressed. dynamic movements cakes unveiled here warrant understanding future studies.