Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane Processing in the Food Industry

Nanofiltration (NF) membranes are the globally recognized membrane technology, having potential use in food industries from a consistent, economical and standard operation point of view. NF has also attracted industries due to the need for lower pressure–driven membranes compared to reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. NF membranes are used in various applications for concentrating, fractionating and purifying various edible products from the dilute streams. Food processing industries are countlessly utilizing the NF membranes for beverage, dairy, vegetable oils and other food items for separation, concentration/purification, deacidification, demineralization, microbial reduction, etc. However, the increasing challenge in membrane science and technology is to develop low-cost, highly efficient, long-lasting membranes. The permeance-selectivity trade-off relationship, physical ageing and fouling are the main disputes in developing a promising membrane. This review provides a broad view of the current advancement of NF membranes in diverse fields related to the food industry. In this review article, the noteworthy growth of NF membrane in the food industries has been discussed. Various methods for the development of efficient NF membranes along with fouling control measures and research opportunities have been discussed. It is anticipated that this inclusive review may inspire a new research platform for developing next-generation NF membrane processes for diverse applications.