Enzymatic membrane reactors and nonconventional solvents

Enzymatic membrane reactors with nonconventional solvents, which constitute the topic of this chapter, are a special class of intensified processes where a membrane separation process and an enzymatic reaction are integrated in a single device. In this chapter, we first provide a general overview on membranes and membrane-based separation processes to familiarize beginner readers in the membrane field with some of the basic concepts and definitions. The advantages of coupling a membrane separation process with a catalytic or enzymatic reaction in terms of improved conversion and increased control of transfer phenomena, as well as the different reactor configurations, are then discussed. Special sections are devoted to different immobilization methods of enzymes in solids and membranes, with the corresponding advantages or disadvantages of each type of method. Finally, a comprehensive description of the work reported in the literature on the main enzymatic process in membrane reactors with two main nonconventional solvents: supercritical carbon dioxide and ionic liquids is given.