Valorization of Valuable Bioactive Compounds and Ethanol from Grape Products through Innovative Nano- and Ultrafiltration Membrane Processes

Membrane separation belongs to the proven efficient and economically advantageous separation methods with potential for diverse applications.

Worldwide, expectations are that membrane processes will become the preferred methods for dealcoholization in the future under conditions of:

• high selectivity with respect to ethanol,
• mild temperature regime,
• energy saving,
• high productivity.

The project focuses on the timely issue of separation quality:

• investigating and improving the selectivity of conventional and/or modified polymer membranes with respect to the water–alcohol system, on the one hand,
• the potential for separation/concentration of biologically active compounds from the group of polyphenols and flavonoids, on the other.

The analysis includes:

• various conventional and modified membranes,
• several membrane processes: ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and pervaporation.

The proposed project addresses the following main tasks:

1. Analysis of the separation capacity of conventional polymer membranes with respect to ethanol and valuable bioactive components from the group of polyphenols and flavonoids.
2. Investigation of the potential of membranes chemically modified with suitable thermosensitive polymers for the separation of water–ethanol mixtures and/or bioactive substances contained in wine.
3. Proposing methods and approaches for improving separation through a multistage membrane process operated in periodic (diafiltration) or continuous mode.

The experiments will be conducted with model systems and suitable real grape products.

The project sets ambitious objectives for:

• expanding the competence and enhancing the scientific reputation of the research team members through effective interaction during the interdisciplinary studies within the project,
• supporting the scientific development of young researchers and postdoctoral fellows in the team,
• widely disseminating the acquired new knowledge within the scientific community as well as among potentially interested producers, investors, and NGOs.

Expected results:

• generation of new knowledge and fundamental scientific results in the field of materials science,
• elucidation of the factors influencing membrane selectivity, transport processes through the membrane, and optimization of the membrane process,
• initiation of the development of new/modified polymer membranes with improved/controlled selectivity, which is of fundamental interest to researchers worldwide.

Host Organization:
Institute of Polymers – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS)

Partner Organizations:
Institute of Chemical Engineering – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS)
Institute of Solid State Physics "Acad. G. Nadjakov" – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS)