Selective extraction using preferential transport through adsorptive membranes.

Selective extraction of a protein from a mixture can be accomplished using an adsorptive membrane and low displacement recuperative parametric pumping. Low displacement recuperative parametric pumping can lead to the preferential transport of an adsorbing solute and the rejection of nonadsorbing solutes by the adsorptive membrane. Using a protein mixture consisting of lysozyme and myoglobin, we have found the conditions under which lysozyme is preferentially transported through an ion-exchange membrane cartridge while myoglobin is rejected by the membrane. Trends observed when parameters such as the desorbent concentration, feed concentration, and flow rate are varied agree with the predictions of a mathematical model. Comparison with facilitated diffusion shows that preferential transport can lead to higher solute fluxes, albeit at lower selectivity. Additionally, preferential transport can be used to transport a solute up a concentration gradient and to selectively extract a solute from a feed that contains suspended solids.