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Membranes
Volume 16
Issue 6
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Membranes, Volume 16, Issue 6 (June 2026) – 34 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely used as biologic drugs for the treatment of serious illnesses, but are particularly prone to aggregation. The presence of mAb aggregates in drug products can therefore lead to serious adverse consequences. Size exclusion chromatography, generally used to detect mAb aggregates, has several limitations. A novel analytical ultrafiltration (AUF) technique that addresses some of these limitations is proposed as an orthogonal analytical technique. AUF incorporates a backflow feature along with online absorbance measurement for the separation and detection of mAb monomers and mAb aggregates in the form of two distinct peaks. The aggregate content in a given sample can be quantified based on the relative peak areas, akin to that of liquid chromatography. View this paper
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19 pages, 2257 KB  
Article
Optimized Digestion Conditions for Membrane Protein Footprinting and Mass Spectrometry Analysis
by Ming Cheng, Xinzhu Li, Lin Bai, Weikai Li and Michael L. Gross
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060215 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 997
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs), which constitute 50–60% of drug targets, play essential roles in numerous biological processes but remain underrepresented in conventional bottom-up and structural proteomics owing to their hydrophobicity and resistance to proteolysis. Although advances in IMP proteomics have improved global IMP [...] Read more.
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs), which constitute 50–60% of drug targets, play essential roles in numerous biological processes but remain underrepresented in conventional bottom-up and structural proteomics owing to their hydrophobicity and resistance to proteolysis. Although advances in IMP proteomics have improved global IMP detection, most efforts focus on proteome-scale protein identification rather than targeted structural analysis. Protein footprinting and cross-linking, two approaches in structural proteomics, require high sequence coverage and protein digestion to peptides of suitable length for structural elucidation, necessitating optimized digestion condition for individual IMPs. Here, we report a digestion protocol tailored for structural mass spectrometry and evaluate its performance by using a single amphipathic IMP model featuring distinct extramembrane and transmembrane domains. We evaluated the use of various protease–additive combinations and applied filter-aided sample preparation (FASP) to remove detergents and surfactants efficiently prior to MS analysis. The optimized conditions consistently yielded >90% sequence coverage. Guided by MS retention time calibration and hydrophobic factor simulations, we identified a “sweet spot” for transmembrane peptide detection. Notably, although cleavable surfactants can enhance proteome-wide coverage, our results show that they are not essential for single protein studies as they are in structural proteomics. Instead, detergent removal, protease selection, and generation of suitably sized peptides are critical for enabling reliable bottom-up structural analysis of IMPs. The protocol developed here provides a practical framework for optimizing digestion conditions in IMP characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Proteins: New Insights into Structure, Dynamics and Functions)
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24 pages, 9488 KB  
Article
GCMembrane-LLM: An Evidence-Grounded Domain-Specific Large Language Model for Structure–Performance Reasoning in Graphene and Carbon Nanotube Separation Membranes
by Youyang Liu, Shuhan Liu, Yao He, Ziyi Yan, Yilu Zhao, Xinyu Zhang, Zhen Li and Ning Wei
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060214 - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 601
Abstract
Graphene and carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes are promising for filtration, desalination, and water treatment, yet their performance requires the joint interpretation of their architecture, nanoconfined transport, selectivity, fouling, swelling, defects, stability, and operating conditions. Here, GCMembrane-LLM was developed as an evidence-grounded domain-specific large [...] Read more.
Graphene and carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes are promising for filtration, desalination, and water treatment, yet their performance requires the joint interpretation of their architecture, nanoconfined transport, selectivity, fouling, swelling, defects, stability, and operating conditions. Here, GCMembrane-LLM was developed as an evidence-grounded domain-specific large language model. A curated 582-paper corpus generated 12,208 cleaned membrane-specific question–answer pairs for Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA)-based supervised fine-tuning of Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct, and retrieval-augmented generation provided article-title and page-level traceability. GCMembraneBench included 100 application-oriented questions on graphene oxide (GO) membranes, CNT membranes, GO/CNT hybrids, and cross-material reasoning. Under direct answering without retrieval context, the anonymized and shuffled automatic evaluation showed that GCMembrane-LLM achieved a mean weighted score of 4.237/5.0, exceeding Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct and Doubao-1.5-lite. A stratified 30-question blinded manual assessment showed the same ranking. The application cases further yielded membrane science conclusions: CNT-assisted GO/CNT transport should be evaluated with dispersion, interfacial compatibility, defects, and stability; GO desalination depends on swelling control, interlayer spacing, and defect suppression; and CNT high flux requires joint examination of pore diameter, entrance chemistry, hydration barriers, ion rejection, and operating conditions. GCMembrane-LLM supports source-traceable evidence organization and preliminary hypothesis formulation before experimental validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Confined Transport in Advanced Membranes for Enhanced Filtration and Desalination: From Mechanisms to Scalable Applications)
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21 pages, 16817 KB  
Article
The Structural Evolution of Recrystallized Asymmetric SiC Membranes for High-Performance Oily Wastewater Treatment
by Muhammad Shoaib Anwar, Jang-Hoon Ha, Jongman Lee, Hong Joo Lee and In-Hyuck Song
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060213 - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 681
Abstract
Asymmetric SiC membranes with surface pore sizes ranging from 0.12 to 0.31 μm at a constant open porosity of approximately 42% were fabricated by dip-coating SiC support followed by sintering from 1700 to 2000 °C. The effect of membrane structural constants (hydraulic resistance [...] Read more.
Asymmetric SiC membranes with surface pore sizes ranging from 0.12 to 0.31 μm at a constant open porosity of approximately 42% were fabricated by dip-coating SiC support followed by sintering from 1700 to 2000 °C. The effect of membrane structural constants (hydraulic resistance (k1), pore size exponent (k2), and shape factor (k3)) on PWP were evaluated by comparing the symmetric and asymmetric structures. In addition, the experimentally determined values of PWP were quantitatively analyzed by comparing with theoretically predicted values obtained using the Kozeny–Carman (K–C) and Hagen–Poiseuille (H–P) models. Despite having a smaller pore size, the asymmetric membranes exhibited high PWP (1257-3883 LMH) due to decreased flow resistance (low k1), enhanced pore size effect (high k2), and improved flow network (high k3) as compared to symmetric membranes. The hydrophilicity of the prepared membranes improved remarkably, with increasing average surface roughness (102.3 nm to 161.0 nm) due to an increase in pore size, which also caused a decrease in water contact angle (WCA) from approximately 27.44° to 21.67° with increasing sintering temperature (1700–2000 °C). Furthermore, the prepared membrane separation performance was found to be affected by its pore size, and the 1900 °C sintered SiC membrane showed optimal gradient profile and pore structure, demonstrating its practical reusability and scalability for O/W wastewater treatment. Full article
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13 pages, 10496 KB  
Article
Full-Scale Microfiltration for Drinking Water: A Long-Term Performance Analysis
by Małgorzata Kabsch-Korbutowicz, Małgorzata Wolska and Anna Solipiwko-Pieścik
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060212 - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 774
Abstract
Microfiltration membranes are widely used in drinking water treatment due to their high efficiency. However, long-term operation of polymeric membranes may lead to deterioration of hydraulic properties as a result of fouling and material aging. This study aims to determine the impact of [...] Read more.
Microfiltration membranes are widely used in drinking water treatment due to their high efficiency. However, long-term operation of polymeric membranes may lead to deterioration of hydraulic properties as a result of fouling and material aging. This study aims to determine the impact of long-term aging on hydraulic permeability and separation properties, and to determine the lifespan of microfiltration polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The practical and industrial novelty of this study lies in providing an authentic, 11-year operational baseline for a full-scale microfiltration system treating highly variable surface water. The study evaluates membranes installed in a full-scale plant in Jarosław (Poland), treating surface water from the San River. The system includes 120 PVDF capillary modules (0.1 μm). After 11 years, the membranes maintained very high separation efficiency, ensuring almost complete removal of turbidity and microorganisms. However, membrane resistance increased nearly threefold, while permeability decreased by about 86%. Maintaining capacity required a gradual increase in transmembrane pressure. The permeability loss exceeded the commonly accepted replacement threshold of 70%, suggesting that membrane replacement after more than a decade of operation is technically and economically justified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from Water, Wastewater, Waste—Infrastructure and Technology Conference 2026)
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24 pages, 4429 KB  
Article
Transport Coherence Loss in Heterogeneous Forward Osmosis Membranes: A Hierarchical Diagnostic Framework
by Maurizio Viviani, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Gaositwe Bolani, Simonetta Papa, Luca Giacomelli and Roberto Eggenhöffner
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060211 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 819
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) membranes are commonly evaluated through macroscopic observables such as water flux and reverse solute flux. However, these quantities do not necessarily reveal whether water permeation and solute leakage remain governed by the same dominant transport pathways, particularly in heterogeneous nanostructured [...] Read more.
Forward osmosis (FO) membranes are commonly evaluated through macroscopic observables such as water flux and reverse solute flux. However, these quantities do not necessarily reveal whether water permeation and solute leakage remain governed by the same dominant transport pathways, particularly in heterogeneous nanostructured membranes where selective nanochannels and defect-mediated pores can contribute differently to solvent and solute transport. Here, we introduce a hierarchical diagnostic framework to assess transport coherence loss in heterogeneous FO membranes. The framework comprises a baseline model (BM), an extended model (EM) including chemistry–geometry coupling through accessibility loss, and a full model (FM) incorporating selective pore-size heterogeneity. The ratio of reverse solute flux to water flux RJ=Js/Jw is used as a regime-based diagnostic descriptor of transport organisation, while its normalised form maps coherence variations across the state-space defined by structural selectivity and nanochemical state. The results show that chemistry–geometry coupling produces the first clear reorganisation of the coherence landscape, whereas pore-size heterogeneity mainly broadens the response while preserving its dominant topology. Simulations based on both Monte Carlo and experimentally derived pore-size distributions show consistent trends. Overall, the BM–EM–FM hierarchy offers an interpretable framework for describing transport coherence loss and the emergence of leakage-prone regimes in heterogeneous FO membranes. Full article
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53 pages, 9441 KB  
Review
Coupled Transport, Plasticization, and Retention Mechanisms in Phosphoric Acid-Doped PBI Membranes
by Francesca Stella and Sergio Bocchini
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060210 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 835
Abstract
Phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole membranes are a leading fluorine-free electrolyte platform for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, enabling proton transport under anhydrous conditions. However, recent evidence shows that conductivity, mechanical stability, and acid retention are intrinsically coupled, preventing independent optimization of these properties. [...] Read more.
Phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole membranes are a leading fluorine-free electrolyte platform for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, enabling proton transport under anhydrous conditions. However, recent evidence shows that conductivity, mechanical stability, and acid retention are intrinsically coupled, preventing independent optimization of these properties. This review establishes a unified framework in which membrane performance is governed by a multidimensional design space defined by acid doping level, activation energy (Ea), hydrogen-bond network topology, and mechanical confinement. Conductivity is shown to scale with both carrier density and hopping energetics, while mechanical stability decays with increasing ADL due to acid-induced plasticization, described through a semi-empirical relationship. Analysis across molecular architectures, including molecular weight control, crosslinking, backbone modification, topological design, and free-volume engineering, demonstrates that performance emerges from a balance between transport efficiency and structural stability. Device-level benchmarking further reveals that similar conductivity values can correspond to orders-of-magnitude differences in voltage decay rate, confirming that durability is governed primarily by mechanical confinement and acid mobility rather than σ alone. A multivariate stability corridor is identified, within which phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole membranes achieve σ ≈ 0.14–0.20 S·cm−1 while maintaining low degradation rates under realistic high temperature proton exchange membrane conditions. Based on this framework, quantitative design rules are derived linking acid doping level, activation, topology, and mechanical properties. This work shifts membrane design from conductivity-driven optimization toward predictive structure–property–durability engineering, providing a basis for the development of next-generation HT-PEM fuel cells with sustained long-term performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Energy)
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4 pages, 195 KB  
Editorial
Closing Editorial: Electrostatics in Cell Membranes and in Artificial Membrane Models
by Natalia Wilke
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060209 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Beyond acting as structural boundaries, biological membranes function as sensitive transducers, defined by a nanometer-scale bilayer matrix embedded with proteins [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrostatics in Cell Membranes and in Artificial Membrane Models)
22 pages, 3838 KB  
Review
Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles: Research Advances from Biogenesis Mechanisms to Engineered Applications
by Mengyuan Zhang, Xin Zhao, Mingsheng Tang and Wei Zou
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060208 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1431
Abstract
Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical structures made up of a double layer, they are each nanostructured (20–300 nm), and they are released from all populations of Gram-negative bacteria. The purpose of this review is to synthesize a comprehensive summary of the [...] Read more.
Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical structures made up of a double layer, they are each nanostructured (20–300 nm), and they are released from all populations of Gram-negative bacteria. The purpose of this review is to synthesize a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge about OMV biogenesis, function in biology, and application to biomedical engineering. Using these three known biogenesis mechanisms as a basis for this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OMV biogenesis that have been described as conserved: (1) disruption of outer membrane–peptidoglycan links. (2) periplasmic stress-driven adaptive release is associated with bilayer lipid asymmetry and the use of signaling molecules. OMVs are considered to be “public goods” for the microbe, allowing for nutrient acquisition, resistance to antibiotics, and the potential for horizontal gene transfer between microbes. OMVs exhibit a different duality at the interface of the pathogen host, where the pathogenic OMV is the delivery vehicle for virulence factors and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) leading to host immune response, while the symbiotic OMV (e.g., those produced by Bacteroides fragilis (Bact. fragilis)) promote regulatory T cell differentiation and mucosal tolerance. The review also addresses the various techniques currently available to isolate OMVs (e.g., ultracentrifugation and size-exclusion chromatographic techniques) and presents engineered/alloying strategies (e.g., genetic modifications to tolR/msbB and surface functionalization) to enhance the viability, safety, and specificity of OMVs for biomedical delivery. Finally, the review addresses significant obstacles related to standardization, batch variation, and in vivo safety associated with synthetic or personalized therapeutics based on OMVs, providing some recommendations for future research in this area. Full article
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11 pages, 873 KB  
Article
Separation of Monoclonal Antibody Aggregates Using an Analytical Ultrafiltration Technique
by Raja Ghosh, Mrunal Ingawale and Yves Durocher
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060207 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 940
Abstract
Size exclusion chromatography is the industry-standard method for measuring aggregate content in monoclonal antibody samples. In this paper, we present an orthogonal analytical technique based on ultrafiltration for detecting and quantifying monoclonal antibody aggregates. The sample to be analyzed was injected into the [...] Read more.
Size exclusion chromatography is the industry-standard method for measuring aggregate content in monoclonal antibody samples. In this paper, we present an orthogonal analytical technique based on ultrafiltration for detecting and quantifying monoclonal antibody aggregates. The sample to be analyzed was injected into the system in the ultrafiltration mode, and the monomeric monoclonal antibody molecules were detected in the form of a permeate peak. The system was then switched to backflow mode, and the aggregates were recovered and detected in the form of a retained species peak. The aggregate content in a given sample was quantified based on the relative peak areas, akin to that in liquid chromatography. Two monoclonal antibodies were tested in this study using the proposed analytical ultrafiltration technique. Size exclusion chromatography served as the control technique. The data obtained using the two techniques were found to be in good agreement. The advantages and limitations of the proposed analytical ultrafiltration technique are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Membrane Filtration and Separation)
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43 pages, 915 KB  
Review
A Green Approach Towards Desalination: Sustainable Poly(lactic acid) Membranes for Pervaporation Desalination
by Urooj Ahmad, Bart Van der Bruggen and Xing Yang
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060206 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
To address the global water crisis, desalination technologies contribute about 1% of the global freshwater supply. Membrane-based desalination technologies offer high performance, operational ease, cost-effectiveness and high scalability compared to conventional thermal desalination modes. Among all membrane-based technologies, reverse osmosis is prevailing globally. [...] Read more.
To address the global water crisis, desalination technologies contribute about 1% of the global freshwater supply. Membrane-based desalination technologies offer high performance, operational ease, cost-effectiveness and high scalability compared to conventional thermal desalination modes. Among all membrane-based technologies, reverse osmosis is prevailing globally. However, the high energy demand of the reverse osmosis process and fouling in case of hypersaline feed streams motivate the exploration of alternative technologies, i.e., pervaporation. Pervaporation desalination involves dense hydrophilic polymer membranes to deal with high salt streams at low cost, along with less fouling than a few other membrane processes, i.e., reverse osmosis and membrane distillation. Mass transport through pervaporation desalination membranes is well-explained by solution-diffusion theory involving a tri-stage transfer, i.e., sorption, diffusion and evaporation. Since the last few decades, a green approach in all domains has offered chemical products and processes with the least hazards and minimal waste production. Application of biodegradable materials like poly(lactic acid) in combination with suitable green solvents, e.g., ethyl lactate, methyl lactate, cyrene, dimethyl isosorbide and gamma valerolactone for pervaporation desalination would be a good roadmap to meet the sustainability criterion. Some intrinsic features of poly(lactic acid) that make it a ‘material of choice’ for pervaporation desalination include hydrophilicity imparted by the presence of polar ester groups, high salt rejection, biodegradability with simple mineralization products, i.e., H2O and CO2, sustainable production, low toxicity, low carbon footprint, ease of processing and versatility. Poly(lactic acid) undergoes four interrelated degradation mechanisms: hydrolytic degradation, biodegradation, thermal degradation and photodegradation. The concern for poly(lactic acid) based pervaporation desalination is increased hydrolytic cleavage of poly(lactic acid) at high temperatures, which requires some modifications, e.g., nanoenhancement, additions of crosslinkers, surface modifications, addition of other polymers to prepare blends and post-treatments. These modifying strategies result in an increased stability and better performance of poly(lactic acid) films. However, optimization of various parameters relevant to such modifications leaves room for further research. This review offers a critical analysis of the need for biodegradable polymers with special focus on poly(lactic acid) rather than their fossil fuel-based alternatives, the environmental and health effects of all these polymers, cost estimation and possible performance-efficient, green and eco-friendly solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Membrane Desalination and Sustainable Technology Systems)
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26 pages, 7508 KB  
Article
Rational Design of Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated MOF-Based Membranes for the Recovery of Pb(II) and Cr(III) Ions Toward a Circular Economy
by Saif-ur-Rehman, Urooj Ahmad, Muddasar Jamal, Arafat Husain, Bart Van der Bruggen and Ali H. Al-Marzouqi
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060205 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1030
Abstract
The sustainable recovery of high-value metals from wastewater has garnered significant attention in light of the circular economy and environmental preservation. Because of its appealing characteristics, membrane separation technology is essential for the sustainable and effective recovery of valuable metals from wastewater, in [...] Read more.
The sustainable recovery of high-value metals from wastewater has garnered significant attention in light of the circular economy and environmental preservation. Because of its appealing characteristics, membrane separation technology is essential for the sustainable and effective recovery of valuable metals from wastewater, in contrast to conventional methods, which are chemical- or energy-intensive. In this study, a rational design approach was utilized to synthesize a metal–organic framework (MOF) using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a mediating medium to control the reaction of framework formation and particle properties. While DESs have been widely used for the physical modification of materials, their role as a chemically modifying medium during MOF synthesis for structural tailoring remains less explored. This synthesized MOF (DM-Zn-PDC@MOF) was further introduced as filler in polysulfone (PSf)-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The performance of DM-Zn-PDC@MOF within the polymer matrix was examined. Several characterization techniques were used to thoroughly analyze the morphological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the MMMs and DM-Zn-PDC@MOF. The addition of the filler material significantly enhanced the membrane characteristics, including pure water flux, hydrophilicity, porosity, surface roughness, pore size, and heavy metal resource recovery in comparison with the pristine membrane. Stable incorporation of the filler within the membrane matrix was indicated by much less filler leaching (<5%) at all concentrations. With DM-Zn-PDC@MOF loading, the pure water flux increasedmore than nine times from 102.8 L/m2h (M-0) to 971.5 L/m2h (M-4). The functionalized membranes showed better flux retention in high-value heavy metal resource recovery using simulated wastewater: 871.8 L/m2h when filtering a Pb(II) ion solution (compared to M-0 with flux 120.6 L/m2h) and 526.8 L/m2h when filtering a Cr(III) ion solution (compared to M-0 with flux 97.1 L/m2h). These values represented approximately 7-fold and 5-fold improvements, respectively. Overall, Pb+2 > Cr+3, but the rejection of Cr(III) ions was also improved, when compared with M-0. The high flux of the membrane makes it easier to process large volumes and concentrate metals in the retentate, turning diluted contaminated streams into a concentrated feedstock for subsequent recovery procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Membrane-Based Modern Solutions in Separation Techniques for the Recovery of Metal Ions and Critical Resources)
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11 pages, 1629 KB  
Article
Development of a Novel Dual-Layer Janus Membrane via NIPS Process for Sweep Gas Membrane Distillation (SGMD) and Its Orientation-Dependent Response
by Ali Sallakh Niknejad, Ananda Pokhrel and Somenath Mitra
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060204 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 646
Abstract
Dual-layer membranes can offer significant advantages in desalination via membrane distillation (MD) compared to conventional single-layer designs. In this study, we report the development of a novel dual-layer nylon/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with a Janus architecture, specifically engineered for application in sweeping gas [...] Read more.
Dual-layer membranes can offer significant advantages in desalination via membrane distillation (MD) compared to conventional single-layer designs. In this study, we report the development of a novel dual-layer nylon/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with a Janus architecture, specifically engineered for application in sweeping gas membrane distillation (SGMD). The non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method was used to cast PVDF solution on the top of a commercial nylon membrane. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements showed asymmetrical wettability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the PVDF layer was firmly anchored to the nylon support without signs of delamination. Desalination experiments were conducted using SGMD, where a significant flux enhancement as high as 81.2% was observed when the feed solution contacted the hydrophilic nylon surface while the hydrophobic PVDF surface faced the permeate side with gas flow. This enhancement was attributed to the high partitioning coefficient of the liquid–vapor mixture on the hydrophilic feed surface and the rapid vapor release across the hydrophobic permeate surface. Overall, these results demonstrate that hydrophilic membranes with small pore sizes (i.e., 0.22 µm) can serve effectively as supports when fabricated using the NIPS process, enabling new configurations for high-performance SGMD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Composite Membranes: Properties and Applications)
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14 pages, 4148 KB  
Communication
Proton-Conducting Composite of Poly(2,5-benzimidazole) and Cesium Dihydrogen Phosphate—The Emerging of Ultrahigh-Temperature Polymer-Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (UT-PEMFC)
by Kirill M. Skupov, Igor I. Ponomarev, Elizaveta S. Vtyurina, Alexey A. Bugerya, Olga M. Zhigalina, Yulia A. Volkova, Anna A. Lysova and Yuri A. Dobrovolsky
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060203 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 642
Abstract
Expansion of the operational temperature range for polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) above 200 °C significantly reduces hydrogen purification requirements. Here, we report a hybrid composite of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and CsH2PO4, doped with H3PO4, as [...] Read more.
Expansion of the operational temperature range for polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) above 200 °C significantly reduces hydrogen purification requirements. Here, we report a hybrid composite of poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) and CsH2PO4, doped with H3PO4, as a PEM for PEMFC operation at >200 °C up to 250 °C and beyond. The optimal ratio of ABPBI repeating units to CsH2PO4 is 1:1 (mol/mol). Materials are extensively characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, HAADF STEM, elemental mapping, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, proton conductivity, mechanical testing, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It is suggested that PEMFCs with the extended operational temperature range (>220 °C) might be categorized as ultrahigh-temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells (UT-PEMFCs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Characterization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs))
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23 pages, 1349 KB  
Article
Assessment of Peptides and Membrane Physico-Chemical Characteristics on Migration Selectivity and Recovery of Antimicrobial Fractions Using Electrodialysis with Ultrafiltration Membrane on a Calf Cruor Hydrolysate
by Véronique Perreault, Jacinthe Thibodeau, Sara García-Vela and Laurent Bazinet
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060202 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 698
Abstract
In recent years, cruor from slaughterhouse blood has garnered growing interest as a potential source of antimicrobial peptides obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. In addition, electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane (EDUF) represents a strategy for valorizing peptide-rich hydrolysates, enabling the selective separation and concentration of [...] Read more.
In recent years, cruor from slaughterhouse blood has garnered growing interest as a potential source of antimicrobial peptides obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. In addition, electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane (EDUF) represents a strategy for valorizing peptide-rich hydrolysates, enabling the selective separation and concentration of antimicrobial peptides, according to their size and charge. Hence, this study evaluated the potential of EDUF to fractionate, for the first time, calf cruor hydrolysate and explore its use as a novel source of antimicrobial peptides. The resulting peptide fractions were characterized to investigate the selectivity of peptide migration in relation to peptide physico-chemical characteristics and membrane properties and to finally assess their antimicrobial activity. High migration rates of 12.75 ± 2.17 g/m2h and 8.94 ± 0.38 g/m2h were observed for the cationic (P+) and anionic (P−) recovery fractions, respectively. These results suggested that peptide migration from calf cruor hydrolysate to both recovery fractions during EDUF was influenced by the combined effects of molecular weight, net charge, hydrophobicity, specific amino acid residues (L, Y), and peptide–membrane interactions. Furthermore, the initial and final hydrolysates as well as P+ fractions exhibited antifungal activities against Paecilomyces spp. and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.312 to 0.615 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) ranging from 0.312 to 1.250 mg/mL. In contrast, the P− fraction did not exhibit antifungal activity, but a slight anti-Listeria activity was detected, with a MIC of 10 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of upcycling calf blood into functional antifungal and antibacterial agents, supporting a circular economy approach and transforming waste streams into value-added ingredients that enhance food preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrodialysis and Novel Electro-Membrane Processes)
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16 pages, 2443 KB  
Article
Dual-Layer PVA-HNT/PTFE Membranes for Boosted Antiwettability and Stability in Membrane Distillation
by Guang Yang, Yu Song, Xianghe Kong, Zi Yang, Qing Chen and Hang Xu
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060201 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 414
Abstract
Separation membranes with inherent antiwettability and stability are highly desirable for membrane distillation (MD) in practical applications. In this study, hydrophilic–hydrophobic dual-layer membranes composed of a dense poly (vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotube (PVA-HNT) layer and a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer were fabricated to improve [...] Read more.
Separation membranes with inherent antiwettability and stability are highly desirable for membrane distillation (MD) in practical applications. In this study, hydrophilic–hydrophobic dual-layer membranes composed of a dense poly (vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotube (PVA-HNT) layer and a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer were fabricated to improve wetting and fouling resistance during the MD process. The incorporation of the HNT manipulated the crystallization and chain mobility of PVA, endowing the PVA-HNT layer with tunable water transport properties by adjusting the level of HNT loading. Benefiting from the hydrophilic top layer on PTFE, the dual-layer membrane with an optimal HNT loading of 5 wt% showed stable water vapor flux (7.6 kg/m2·h) while maintaining salt rejection above 99.95%. This performance was achieved using a 3.5 wt% NaCl feed solution with 0.4 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate at a feed temperature of 50 °C and permeate temperature of 10 °C. In contrast, the pristine PTFE membrane suffered from severe pore wetting, with its salt selectivity dropping from 99.5% to 91.5%. Antifouling performance was further evaluated using real landfill leachate in a 50 h treatment. The dual-layer membrane with a 5 wt% HNT maintained stable separation behavior with a 15.3% decrease in water flux, whereas the flux of the PTFE membrane declined by 70.5% in 30 h of operation. A distinct fouling layer was observed on the PTFE membrane surface after the operation, while no obvious fouling was identified on the dual-layer membrane, confirming its superior antifouling properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Water Treatment)
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17 pages, 2823 KB  
Article
Extracellular Polymeric Substance-Intercalated MXene Membranes Toward Removal of Emerging Contaminants
by Da-Qi Cao, Wen-Yu Qu, Yi-Xuan Song, Bi-Xiao Xu, Wen-Yu Zhang and Rongling Wu
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060200 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 736
Abstract
Resource recovery from excess sludge, specifically the extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), has become a frontier issue; yet achieving high-value utilization of this recovered resource remains a key bottleneck. Two-dimensional MXene membranes show great potential for emerging contaminants (ECs) separation owing to [...] Read more.
Resource recovery from excess sludge, specifically the extraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), has become a frontier issue; yet achieving high-value utilization of this recovered resource remains a key bottleneck. Two-dimensional MXene membranes show great potential for emerging contaminants (ECs) separation owing to their lamellar structure and tunable surface chemistry. In this study, biological macromolecule (BM)-intercalated MXene (BM-M) composite membranes were fabricated using practical EPSs and model EPSs such as sodium alginate (SA), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and silk fibroin (SF) as sustainable intercalators. The interlayer spacing, surface charge, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, functional group of BM-M membranes and their EC removal behaviors were systematically investigated. The practical EPS performed better than the model EPS, highlighting the importance of molecular complexity in interlayer design. The practical EPS-intercalated MXene (EPS-M) membrane achieved the removal efficiencies of 64.0%, 90.2% and 67.5% for diethyl phthalate (DEP), erythromycin (ERY) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), respectively. The separation mechanism of ECs mainly included electrostatic, sieving, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bonding. This work highlights the effectiveness of EPS intercalation in tailoring MXene membrane structure for the removal of diverse ECs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Separation Techniques and Circular Economy)
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3 pages, 150 KB  
Editorial
New Advances in Membrane Separation Technology for Water Pollution Control and Membrane Fouling Mitigation
by Yilin Fan and Zhonglong Yin
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060199 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Membrane separation technology, with advantages including high treatment efficiency, small footprint and easy operation, is playing an increasingly significant role in processes such as desalination, industrial separation, zero-liquid discharge (ZLD), water remediation, wastewater treatment and reclamation, and resource recovery [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Membrane Separation Technology for Water Pollution Control and Membrane Fouling Mitigation)
23 pages, 32329 KB  
Article
LRRC8D Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Enhances Platinum Sensitivity via Modulation of CAV-1/STAT3 Signaling
by Rong Xu, Xue Shui, Hao Han, Yanzi Xing, Caiqin Zhang, Pengpeng Wu, Yong Zhao, Dengxu Tan, Jing Qin, Xiaoming Wang and Changhong Shi
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060198 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 670
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a lethal subtype of prostate cancer (PCa) that emerges under androgen deprivation and is associated with therapeutic resistance. The contribution of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) to this process remains poorly understood. This study identified leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 subunit [...] Read more.
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a lethal subtype of prostate cancer (PCa) that emerges under androgen deprivation and is associated with therapeutic resistance. The contribution of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) to this process remains poorly understood. This study identified leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 subunit D (LRRC8D), a VRAC subunit, as the only family member consistently downregulated in NEPC and associated with neuroendocrine (NE)-like features. LRRC8D downregulation was accompanied by suppression of swelling-activated VRAC currents, increased synaptophysin (SYP) expression, decreased cisplatin sensitivity, and neurosecretory remodeling. Conversely, LRRC8D overexpression enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis, reduced colony formation, and suppressed tumor growth in xenograft models, including under cisplatin treatment. Consistent alterations in LRRC8D and SYP expression were also observed in enzalutamide-resistant patient-derived organoids. Mechanistically, RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) promoted LRRC8D transcription. Functional analyses further demonstrated that CAV-1 acted upstream of LRRC8D, and LRRC8D negatively regulated STAT3 activation. Together, these findings indicate that LRRC8D influences PCa phenotype and platinum responsiveness, and implicate a regulatory axis involving LRRC8D and CAV-1/STAT3 signaling in NE-associated features of advanced PCa. Functional analyses further showed that CAV-1 acted upstream of LRRC8D, and LRRC8D negatively regulated STAT3 activation. Together, these findings indicate that LRRC8D influences PCa phenotype and platinum responsiveness and implicate a regulatory axis involving LRRC8D and CAV-1/STAT3 signaling in NE-associated features of advanced PCa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Proteins: New Insights into Structure, Dynamics and Functions)
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19 pages, 12739 KB  
Article
Inorganic Scaling Mechanisms During Forward Osmosis Concentration of Fresh vs. Hydrolysed Urine: Theoretical Modelling and Experimental Validation
by Maano Tshimange, Ṋamadzavho Enos Sitabule, Judy Lee and Siddharth Gadkari
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060197 - 5 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 941
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) offers a promising route for urine concentration and nutrient recovery, yet inorganic scaling under high water recovery remains a significant challenge. This study systematically investigated scaling during FO treatment of synthetic fresh urine (SFU) and synthetic hydrolysed urine (SHU) over [...] Read more.
Forward osmosis (FO) offers a promising route for urine concentration and nutrient recovery, yet inorganic scaling under high water recovery remains a significant challenge. This study systematically investigated scaling during FO treatment of synthetic fresh urine (SFU) and synthetic hydrolysed urine (SHU) over three consecutive cycles to 80% water recovery. SFU exhibited moderate flux decline (~14.4 → 4–5 LMH), with minimal hydraulic resistance from sparse calcium-deficient Ca–P deposits (Ca:P ≈ 1.2; ACP/OCP-like). In contrast, SHU caused severe cumulative scaling, progressively reducing flux from 19 → 14.46 → 1.3 LMH, dominated by struvite (Mg:P ≈ 1.02) and mixed Mg–carbonate phases. Visual MINTEQ thermodynamic modelling correctly identified the dominant mineral families in both feeds, while kinetic effects governed the formation of metastable phases, demonstrating that equilibrium modelling and experimental characterisation are complementary tools for scaling prediction under transient FO conditions. Physical cleaning restored ~98–99% of water flux for both feeds, confirming that even severe SHU-induced scaling is largely hydraulically reversible. High rejection of multivalent ions (PO43−, Mg2+, and Ca2+) was maintained throughout, confirming membrane integrity was preserved despite severe scaling. These findings demonstrate that urine hydrolysis fundamentally governs scaling pathways, severity, and reversibility in FO systems, and that simple hydraulic flushing is an effective fouling-control strategy, providing practical guidance for operating condition selection and cleaning strategy design in FO-based urine treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane-Based Technologies for Nutrient Recovery: Materials, Mechanisms, and Integrated Processes)
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19 pages, 5446 KB  
Article
Development of CO2 Molecular Gate Membrane Module Systems for Pre-Combustion CO2 Capture
by Teruhiko Kai, Shuhong Duan, Lie Meng, Masahiko Mizuno and Katsunori Yogo
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060196 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 738
Abstract
Research and development of novel CO2-selective membranes, called molecular gate membranes (MGMs), has been conducted. Unlike conventional CO2-selective membranes, MGMs show exceptionally high CO2 separation over H2. The membranes and the membrane modules were developed for [...] Read more.
Research and development of novel CO2-selective membranes, called molecular gate membranes (MGMs), has been conducted. Unlike conventional CO2-selective membranes, MGMs show exceptionally high CO2 separation over H2. The membranes and the membrane modules were developed for CO2 separation at low energy consumption and low cost in pre-combustion processes such as integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and hydrogen production. To date, two candidate membrane materials—poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based membranes—have been used. As for PEG-based membrane materials, the effect of operating conditions, such as relative humidity in feed gas and sweep gas and operating pressure, on CO2 separation performance were investigated. Both CO2 permeance and selectivity increased with increasing relative humidity on both the feed and permeate sides. The CO2 permeance increased from the 10−12 to the 10−11 order, while the selectivity increased from 2.8 to 25. In addition, it was found that the water vapor permeates from the high to the low relative humidity side with a permeance typically on the order of 10−8 m3(STP)m−2·s−1·Pa−1, regardless of the total pressure difference between the feed side and the permeate side. This finding is important in the design of membrane systems. However, we found that PVA-based membranes exhibited superior thin-film coating ability and higher separation performance compared with PEG-based membranes. As for PVA-based materials, membranes that showed high CO2 separation performance under high-pressure conditions of 2.4 MPa (the supposed pressure in the IGCC process) were successfully prepared. In addition, the technology to prepare MGMs with a large membrane area was developed by a continuous membrane-forming method, and the membrane elements (diameter: 10–20 cm; length: 20–60 cm) were also fabricated. Pre-combustion CO2 capture tests of the membrane elements were conducted using coal-derived gasification gas, and it was confirmed that the membrane elements were durable against the real gas, which contained components such as H2S (on the order of 100 ppm) and CO (32.4%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Carbon Capture and Conversion)
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19 pages, 14405 KB  
Article
Understanding Vanadium Ion Diffusion in Nafion Using an Atomistic Study and Microscopic Concentration Profiles
by Sven Hampel, Christian Lutz, Gerald Falkenberg, Joanna Kolny-Olesiak, Ursula E. A. Fittschen and Nina Merkert
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060195 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 487
Abstract
The functionality of ionomeric membranes is influenced by small changes of several parameters. Aqueous network formation by phase separation between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts of the polymer is one critical factor for water and ion transport. In particular, the transport of highly [...] Read more.
The functionality of ionomeric membranes is influenced by small changes of several parameters. Aqueous network formation by phase separation between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts of the polymer is one critical factor for water and ion transport. In particular, the transport of highly charged ions like V3+ is not well understood. The unsteady diffusion in Nafion, a sulfonic acid based cation exchange polymer, using V3+ profiles obtained with micro X-ray fluorescence (0.5 μm spot over a 180 μm scan) yields a diffusion coefficient of 4×10−13 m2s−1 at λH2O/SO3=12 and at ca. 20 °C. It is confirmed that the concentration profile can be described by an error function formalism. The diffusivity, determined from the entire profile, represents mainly the transport into a vanadium free environment with very low ionic strength as the membrane was conditioned in ultra-pure water. The macroscopic ion transport is influenced by local molecular interactions, interconnection of water pockets and long range ionic interactions. The local interactions of V3+ were studied using molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations. The MD simulation studies diffusion at a constant ion concentration and short length scale (ca. 30 nm). It gives insights on the effects of dissolved V3+ ions on the local structure. Radial distribution functions reveal that at low hydration, the vanadium ions have an ordering effect on water molecules. The diffusion coefficient of V3+ is determined on a molecular level from the mean-square displacement yielding 2.5×10−10 m2s−1 for V3+ ions at a membrane water content of λH2O/SO3 = 6. The phenomenon in which the diffusivity decreases over longer length scales was documented before for water and H+ in Nafion; however, this was by only about one order of magnitude. The experimental microscopic approach described by us is universally applicable, e.g., to environments of higher ionic strength, ions with different charges, and different types of ion-exchange membranes. Longer diffusion times allow us to distinguish between different concentration regimes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Energy)
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18 pages, 3592 KB  
Article
Conductive Polyaniline-Based/Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes: Morphology, Wettability and Short-Cycle Electrochemical Cleaning
by Maria Antonia Rodrigues De Paulo, Roger Gonçalves, Ernesto Chaves Pereira, Fernando Henrique Cristovan, Adriana Coatrini Thomazi, José Arnando Costa and Caio Marcio Paranhos
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060194 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Fouling limits the performance and lifetime of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes. We investigated the effect of blending polyaniline (PAni·DBSA) into PES on membrane morphology, wettability, permeability and antifouling behavior, and we evaluated a simple electrochemical cleaning protocol for fouled membranes. A series of [...] Read more.
Fouling limits the performance and lifetime of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes. We investigated the effect of blending polyaniline (PAni·DBSA) into PES on membrane morphology, wettability, permeability and antifouling behavior, and we evaluated a simple electrochemical cleaning protocol for fouled membranes. A series of PES/PAni·DBSA membranes with different PAni loadings were characterized by SEM, BET, AFM, contact angle, TGA and porosity analysis. Initial water flux (J), bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection (RR) and flux recovery ratio (FRR) were measured in a dead-end filtration cell. Electrochemical cleaning was applied to selected fouled membranes, and post-cleaning flux and rejection were measured. PAni·DBSA incorporation produced a hierarchical pore structure and altered near-surface texture. Contact angle decreased from 76° to 54°, and swelling increased for intermediate PAni loadings. Initial pure-water fluxes ranged from 5.9 to 39.3 L·m−2·h−1. When expressed as absolute percentages, the best performing membrane in terms of reversible fouling recovered 8.12 times of its initial flux. Multivariate analysis indicates that surface hydration and height distribution explain more variance in FRR than Rq alone, consistent with a synergistic role of texture and wettability. Electrochemical treatment substantially increased both flux and rejection for tested membranes, indicating effective foulant mobilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research and Technological Advancements of Membranes for Separation Processes)
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4 pages, 160 KB  
Editorial
Protein–Lipid Interactions: From Molecular Recognition to Cellular Organization and Disease
by Nikolas Nikolaidis
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060193 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 568
Abstract
Cell biology has traditionally relied on a useful working division of labor: proteins are the primary agents of function, and lipids provide the structural context in which that function unfolds [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein-Lipid Interactions as Key Regulators of Cell Function)
11 pages, 1476 KB  
Article
A Time-Resolved In Situ SAXS Method for Real-Time Monitoring of Lipid Nanoparticles Assembly
by Ke-Meng Li, Panqi Song, Xiao-Peng He and Na Li
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060192 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1393
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as popular nucleic acid delivery systems, yet the dynamic mechanisms related to their self-assembly and structural maturation remain insufficiently understood due to the limitations of traditional offline characterization tools. This study establishes a time-resolved (TR) in situ small-angle [...] Read more.
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as popular nucleic acid delivery systems, yet the dynamic mechanisms related to their self-assembly and structural maturation remain insufficiently understood due to the limitations of traditional offline characterization tools. This study establishes a time-resolved (TR) in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) methodology to monitor the structural evolution of LNPs during microfluidic formulation and subsequent maturation. By integrating a dual-channel microfluidic mixing system with a SAXS measurement platform, we successfully captured the real-time scattering profiles of both empty and messenger RNA-loaded nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs). The results demonstrate distinct assembly pathways for empty-LNPs and those encapsulated with mRNA. The empty-LNPs undergo a gradual transition toward periodic nanostructures, whereas mRNA-LNPs exhibit rapid complexation into stable subunits followed by hierarchical assembly. Furthermore, the platform effectively tracked nanoscale structural rearrangements during a microfluidic dilution process, revealed by subtle shifts in scattering peaks and internal periodicity. Overall, this time-resolved approach provides a robust experimental framework for capturing transient intermediate states, offering a valuable tool to elucidate molecular assembly mechanisms and facilitate the rational design of next-generation nanomedicines. Full article
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15 pages, 2106 KB  
Article
Nanofiltration for Advanced and Reliable Drinking Water Treatment: Experimental Evaluation of Hybrid Pretreatment Systems and Fouling Control
by Fazolrahman Bahig, Alimova Kulyash Kabpasovna, Nikita V. Martyushev, Boris V. Malozyomov, Vladislav V. Kukartsev, Tatyana Aleksandrovna Panfilova, Alena A. Stupina and Yadviga Aleksandrovna Tynchenko
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060191 - 1 Jun 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1522
Abstract
Safe drinking water production from compositionally variable surface sources requires treatment systems that combine effective contaminant removal with stable membrane operation. This study experimentally evaluated a hybrid treatment train consisting of slow sand or zeolite pretreatment followed by NF for surface water representative [...] Read more.
Safe drinking water production from compositionally variable surface sources requires treatment systems that combine effective contaminant removal with stable membrane operation. This study experimentally evaluated a hybrid treatment train consisting of slow sand or zeolite pretreatment followed by NF for surface water representative of South-East Kazakhstan. The results showed that pretreatment reduced turbidity, iron, and organic load before the membrane stage, thereby improving flux stability and decreasing fouling propensity. Among the tested pretreatment options, zeolite provided the most favorable feed conditions and extended stable membrane operation. These findings demonstrate that the practical performance of NF depends not only on membrane properties but also on effective upstream conditioning of the feed stream. Under the tested recovery conditions, the selected operating regime produced permeate of acceptable final quality, confirming that hybrid pretreatment–NF systems are a robust option for drinking-water treatment from challenging surface sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Membrane Separation Technology for Water Pollution Control and Membrane Fouling Mitigation)
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27 pages, 1241 KB  
Review
Membrane Technologies for Microplastics Removal from Wastewater: Recent Progress, Fouling Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
by Soon Onn Lai, Mohammed J. K. Bashir, Choon Aun Ng, Kok Chung Chong, Heng Keong Kam, Riza P. Gumaling and Lin-Chi Wang
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060190 - 1 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1652
Abstract
Microplastics have recently emerged as a widespread contaminant in wastewater, posing severe risks to the environment and human health due to their potential bioaccumulation and toxicity. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are generally inadequate for the complete removal of microplastics due to their modest [...] Read more.
Microplastics have recently emerged as a widespread contaminant in wastewater, posing severe risks to the environment and human health due to their potential bioaccumulation and toxicity. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are generally inadequate for the complete removal of microplastics due to their modest scale. Interest has been garnered from academia and industry regarding their separation from wastewater. This review covers recent advances in the application of membrane processes for the removal of microplastics from wastewater. The principles of membrane separation, removal efficiency, and operational challenges are critically evaluated, along with the potential of the hybrid membrane systems. In the next section, the fouling mechanism induced by microplastics and their interaction with foulants, as well as cleaning and anti-fouling strategies, are discussed. Finally, future perspectives focus on the current unresolved research gaps, including the integration of digital monitoring and artificial intelligence-assisted optimization of membrane technology for microplastic removal. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying pathways for innovation, this review underscores the pivotal role of membranes in mitigating plastic pollution and advancing sustainable wastewater management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Membrane Technologies for the Treatment of Industrial Wastewater and Emerging Contaminants: Challenges and Innovations)
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29 pages, 8122 KB  
Review
High-Performance Polymer-Based Membranes for CO2 Separation: Recent Advances and Perspectives
by Huimin Ma, Xiaoxue Jiang, Nianwei Man and Jing Zhao
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060189 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 916
Abstract
The urgent demand for energy-efficient CO2 separation technologies has propelled significant advancements in polymer-based CO2 separation membranes over the past decade. This review systematically examines three primary classes of these membrane materials: conventional dense polymer membranes, microporous polymer membranes, and mixed [...] Read more.
The urgent demand for energy-efficient CO2 separation technologies has propelled significant advancements in polymer-based CO2 separation membranes over the past decade. This review systematically examines three primary classes of these membrane materials: conventional dense polymer membranes, microporous polymer membranes, and mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). We analyze their distinct transport mechanisms, advantages, and the persistent challenges of permeability-selectivity trade-offs, physical aging, and scalability that have hindered widespread industrial adoption despite significant laboratory advances. Furthermore, we offer a forward-looking perspective on critical research directions, including the molecular design of stable microporous polymers, the evolution of MMMs towards continuous hybrid architectures, and the development of scalable ultrathin membrane fabrication techniques. By integrating materials innovation with engineering practicality, polymer-based membranes are poised to play a transformative role in sustainable carbon management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Membrane Technologies for Efficient Gas Separation: Innovations and Applications)
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14 pages, 1131 KB  
Article
Polymer Screening for Proper Selection of Membrane Manufacturing Material with Decreased Biofouling Capacity
by Costas Tsioptsias, Christos Manolis, Evgenios Kokkinos, Petros Samaras and Anastasios I. Zouboulis
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060188 - 31 May 2026
Viewed by 542
Abstract
A major limitation for the wider use of membrane-based technologies is the presence of biofouling, which is related to the decline of permeate flux, as well as the associated energy and economic costs for the necessary cleaning. In this work, the interactions and [...] Read more.
A major limitation for the wider use of membrane-based technologies is the presence of biofouling, which is related to the decline of permeate flux, as well as the associated energy and economic costs for the necessary cleaning. In this work, the interactions and compatibility of 28 common polymeric materials with 36 potential biofoulants (categorized in six groups) is examined, based on Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs). Also, a simple methodology is proposed for polymer screening and comparing the suitability of 28 polymers to be used as fabrication materials or coatings, aiming to produce membranes with lower biofouling potential. The methodology gives a score to each polymer based on its interaction with water and various foulants. The screening among the commonly used polymers showed that poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) is a good selection for the manufacturing of membranes, or for effective surface coating to limit biofouling, when compared to the other candidate polymers. The case of PVOH material received the highest score (11.6), while other polymers ranked with lower scores (less than 10). Its physically cross-linked nature that arises from a strong self-association pattern may also be beneficial for biofouling mitigation, since it limits the available sites for interactions (e.g., through hydrogen bonds) with the potential foulant agents. Swelling experiments on the PVOH gels with real wastewater (produced after anaerobic digestion) support the predictions for lowering the biofouling potential. Full article
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24 pages, 4120 KB  
Article
pH-Responsive Hydroxypropyl Cellulose-Based Membranes for Controlled Mass Transport and Drug Release
by Ahmed Mahmoud Ismail, Ayesha Sattar, Muhammad Amin, Muhammad Asif Shabbir, Mustansar Mubeen, Muhammad Umer, Yasir Iftikhar, Ramy S. Yehia, Basem M. Abdallah, Enas M. Ali, Biju Vadakkemukadiyil Chellappan and Khaled M. A. Ramadan
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060187 - 31 May 2026
Viewed by 414
Abstract
The swelling-regulated transport properties of modified and cross-linked HPC-based hydrogel formulations containing NaCMC and citric acid were studied as stimuli-responsive polymeric membranes under various conditions, including deionized water. Physiological conditions were simulated by evaluating various pH conditions (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4). The pseudo-second-order [...] Read more.
The swelling-regulated transport properties of modified and cross-linked HPC-based hydrogel formulations containing NaCMC and citric acid were studied as stimuli-responsive polymeric membranes under various conditions, including deionized water. Physiological conditions were simulated by evaluating various pH conditions (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the swelling process, suggesting that both solvent uptake capacity and polymer network relaxation contribute to the extent of swelling. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel formulations was significantly influenced by salt concentration. The modified HPC hydrogel system exhibited stimuli-responsive swelling–switching behavior under saline, water/ethanol, and acidic/basic environments, demonstrating reversible swelling–deswelling cycles. Maximum swelling was observed in water at pH 7.4. In contrast, abrupt deswelling in an ethanol solution at pH 1.2 reduced hydrogel swelling and water uptake. The effect of temperature on the swelling behavior of the hydrogel and its thermo-responsive swelling behavior was also evaluated. Drug release behavior suggested diffusion-mediated release through the swelling hydrogel matrix. These findings suggest that the modified HPC-based hydrogel system may be useful for pH-responsive oral drug delivery applications. Full article
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21 pages, 10865 KB  
Article
Chitooligosaccharide/Polydopamine Co-Deposition Modifying Substrates for High-Performance Forward Osmosis Membranes with Enhanced Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties
by Ming-Xiao Zhang, Rui Han, Zhen-Liang Xu, Xin Zhang and Dibakar Pandaya
Membranes 2026, 16(6), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16060186 - 28 May 2026
Viewed by 517
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) membranes have garnered widespread research interest in water treatment, yet their permeability–selectivity trade-off, internal concentration polarization, and membrane fouling remain critical challenges. Herein, a chitooligosaccharide/polydopamine (COS/PDA) co-deposition strategy was proposed to modify polyethersulfone (PES) substrates for constructing high-performance thin-film composite [...] Read more.
Forward osmosis (FO) membranes have garnered widespread research interest in water treatment, yet their permeability–selectivity trade-off, internal concentration polarization, and membrane fouling remain critical challenges. Herein, a chitooligosaccharide/polydopamine (COS/PDA) co-deposition strategy was proposed to modify polyethersulfone (PES) substrates for constructing high-performance thin-film composite (TFC) FO membranes. COS suppressed excessive PDA aggregation, reduced substrate roughness, and improved substrate hydrophilicity. This substrate modification regulated interfacial polymerization by increasing the adsorption capacity for m-phenylenediamine (MPD) while slowing its diffusion rate, thereby forming thinner, smoother, and more densely crosslinked polyamide (PA) layers. The optimized C4P1-TFC membrane delivered water fluxes of 42.2 and 23.5 L m−2 h−1 in pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) and FO modes, respectively, representing 43.1% and 40.2% improvements over the pristine membrane. Its specific salt flux decreased to 0.07 and 0.15 g L−1 in the two modes, respectively, suggesting enhanced selectivity. Meanwhile, the C4P1-TFC membrane showed antibacterial rates of 85.7% against Escherichia coli and 86.9% against Staphylococcus aureus, together with improved antifouling performance against bovine serum albumin and lysozyme. This work presents a simple and effective co-deposition approach for simultaneously improving the separation, antibacterial, and antifouling performance of TFC FO membranes, showing promising potential for practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Fabrication and Characterization)
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