Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This work investigated the membrane fouling mechanisms during the microfiltration of oat protein-β-glucan complexes. Microfiltration experiments were conducted under various pH conditions, protein-to-polysaccharide ratios, and ionic strengths. The fouling behavior was analyzed using multiple membrane fouling models to systematically elucidate the relationships among the particle characteristics, rheological behaviors, and membrane fouling. When the pH was adjusted to 7.8, the multimodal particle size distribution of the complexes promoted the formation of a loosely structured cake layer on the membrane surface, accompanied by partial obstruction of membrane pore entrances. On the contrary, the complexes, shown as having a monomodal particle size distribution and similar particle size to the membrane pore, formed compact cake layers and strong membrane fouling resistance. At pH 4.8, protein hydrophobic aggregation generated large particulate clusters that formed a loose cake layer during microfiltration, resulting in a decrease in membrane fouling resistance. Increasing the β-glucan content reduced membrane resistance through enhancing steric hindrance and hydrophilicity. This research provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing membrane separation process parameters in the production of diversified oat-based products.
Source: Membranes
Authors: Tianyu Zheng, Songlin Wen, Yi Wu, Pengyu Shuai, Delong Hou, Yao Jin
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
Awards: G3705275437, G7036484642, G7774273855
OpenAlex ID: W7141565158