International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Editorial

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4 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0

by Victor Nikonenko and Natalia Pismenskaya

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(7), 3533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22073533 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

In this book, the papers published in the second issue, “Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 2659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery of Spent Sulphuric Acid by Diffusion Dialysis Using a Spiral Wound Module

by Arthur Merkel, Ladislav Čopák, Lukáš Dvořák, Daniil Golubenko and Libor Šeda

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11819; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111819 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2839

Abstract

In this study, we assess the effects of volumetric flow and feed temperature on the performance of a spiral-wound module for the recovery of free acid using diffusion dialysis. Performance was evaluated using a set of equations based on mass balance under steady-state [...] Read more.

In this study, we assess the effects of volumetric flow and feed temperature on the performance of a spiral-wound module for the recovery of free acid using diffusion dialysis. Performance was evaluated using a set of equations based on mass balance under steady-state conditions that describe the free acid yield, rejection factors of metal ions and stream purity, along with chemical analysis of the outlet streams. The results indicated that an increase in the volumetric flow rate of water increased free acid yield from 88% to 93%, but decreased Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ion rejection from 95% to 90% and 91% to 86%, respectively. Increasing feed temperature up to 40 °C resulted in an increase in acid flux of 9%, and a reduction in Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ion rejection by 2–3%. Following diffusion dialysis, the only evidence of membrane degradation was a slight drop in permselectivity and an increase in diffusion acid and salt permeability. Results obtained from the laboratory tests used in a basic economic study showed that the payback time of the membrane-based regeneration unit is approximately one year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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22 pages, 3597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Concentration of Organic Acids in Cranberry Juice Modulates the Gut Microbiota in Mice

by Valentine Renaud, Vanessa P. Houde, Geneviève Pilon, Thibault V. Varin, Cyril Roblet, André Marette, Yvan Boutin and Laurent Bazinet

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111537 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3714

Abstract

A daily consumption of cranberry juice (CJ) is linked to many beneficial health effects due to its richness in polyphenols but could also awake some intestinal discomforts due to its organic acid content and possibly lead to intestinal inflammation. Additionally, the impact of [...] Read more.

A daily consumption of cranberry juice (CJ) is linked to many beneficial health effects due to its richness in polyphenols but could also awake some intestinal discomforts due to its organic acid content and possibly lead to intestinal inflammation. Additionally, the impact of such a juice on the gut microbiota is still unknown. Thus, this study aimed to determine the impacts of a daily consumption of CJ and its successive deacidification on the intestinal inflammation and on the gut microbiota in mice. Four deacidified CJs (DCJs) (deacidification rates of 0, 40, 60, and 80%) were produced by electrodialysis with bipolar membrane (EDBM) and administered to C57BL/6J mice for four weeks, while the diet (CHOW) and the water were ad libitum. Different parameters were measured to determine intestinal inflammation when the gut microbiota was profiled. Treatment with a 0% DCJ did not induce intestinal inflammation but increased the gut microbiota diversity and induced a modulation of its functions in comparison with control (water). The effect of the removal of the organic acid content of CJ on the decrease of intestinal inflammation could not be observed. However, deacidification by EDBM of CJ induced an additional increase, in comparison with a 0% DCJ, in the Lachnospiraceae family which have beneficial effects and functions associated with protection of the intestine: the lower the organic acid content, the more bacteria of the Lachnospiraceae family and functions having a positive impact on the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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22 pages, 4483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transport Characteristics of CJMAED™ Homogeneous Anion Exchange Membranes in Sodium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Solutions

by Veronika Sarapulova, Natalia Pismenskaya, Valentina Titorova, Mikhail Sharafan, Yaoming Wang, Tongwen Xu, Yang Zhang and Victor Nikonenko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(3), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22031415 - 31 Jan 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2932

Abstract

The interplay between the ion exchange capacity, water content and concentration dependences of conductivity, diffusion permeability, and counterion transport numbers (counterion permselectivity) of CJMA-3, CJMA-6 and CJMA-7 (Hefei Chemjoy Polymer Materials Co. Ltd., China) anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) is analyzed using the application of [...] Read more.

The interplay between the ion exchange capacity, water content and concentration dependences of conductivity, diffusion permeability, and counterion transport numbers (counterion permselectivity) of CJMA-3, CJMA-6 and CJMA-7 (Hefei Chemjoy Polymer Materials Co. Ltd., China) anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) is analyzed using the application of the microheterogeneous model to experimental data. The structure–properties relationship for these membranes is examined when they are bathed by NaCl and Na₂SO₄ solutions. These results are compared with the characteristics of the well-studied homogenous Neosepta AMX (ASTOM Corporation, Japan) and heterogeneous AMH-PES (Mega a.s., Czech Republic) anion-exchange membranes. It is found that the CJMA-6 membrane has the highest counterion permselectivity (chlorides, sulfates) among the CJMAED series membranes, very close to that of the AMX membrane. The CJMA-3 membrane has the transport characteristics close to the AMH-PES membrane. The CJMA-7 membrane has the lowest exchange capacity and the highest volume fraction of the intergel spaces filled with an equilibrium electroneutral solution. These properties predetermine the lowest counterion transport number in CJMA-7 among other investigated AEMs, which nevertheless does not fall below 0.87 even in 1.0 eq L⁻¹ solutions of NaCl or Na₂SO₄. One of the reasons for the decrease in the permselectivity of CJMAED membranes is the extended macropores, which are localized at the ion-exchange material/reinforcing cloth boundaries. In relatively concentrated solutions, the electric current prefers to pass through these well-conductive but nonselective macropores rather than the highly selective but low-conductive elements of the gel phase. It is shown that the counterion permselectivity of the CJMA-7 membrane can be significantly improved by coating its surface with a dense homogeneous ion-exchange film. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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17 pages, 6093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intracellular Ca²⁺-Mediated AE2 Is Involved in the Vectorial Movement of HaCaT Keratinocyte

by Soyoung Hwang, Dong Min Shin and Jeong Hee Hong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(22), 8429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228429 - 10 Nov 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2440

Abstract

Keratinocyte migration is initiated toward the wound skin barrier as a crucial process in wound healing. However, the migratory machinery used by keratinocytes is relatively unknown. Histamine signaling, including an increase in the Ca²⁺ signal, mediated the enhanced protein expression and chloride/bicarbonate [...] Read more.

Keratinocyte migration is initiated toward the wound skin barrier as a crucial process in wound healing. However, the migratory machinery used by keratinocytes is relatively unknown. Histamine signaling, including an increase in the Ca²⁺ signal, mediated the enhanced protein expression and chloride/bicarbonate exchange activity of anion exchanger AE2 in keratinocytes. In this study, we applied an agarose spot assay to induce a vectorial motion. The vectorial stimulation of the histamine-containing agarose spot enhanced the HaCaT keratinocyte migration, compared to non-directional stimulation. AE2 is associated with the vectorial movement of HaCaT keratinocytes. Enhanced expression of AE2 was mainly associated with an increase in Ca²⁺ and was abolished by the treatment with the Ca²⁺ chelating agent BAPTA-AM. These findings revealed that the directionality of Ca²⁺-exerted stimulation can play a prominent role in facilitating migration through the involvement of AE2 as a migratory machinery in HaCaT keratinocytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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26 pages, 6522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of Anthocyanins by Cation and Anion Exchange Resins with Aromatic and Aliphatic Polymer Matrices

by Natalia Pismenskaya, Veronika Sarapulova, Anastasia Klevtsova, Sergey Mikhaylin and Laurent Bazinet

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(21), 7874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21217874 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4357

Abstract

This study examines the mechanisms of adsorption of anthocyanins from model aqueous solutions at pH values of 3, 6, and 9 by ion-exchange resins making the main component of heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes. This is the first report demonstrating that the pH of the [...] Read more.

This study examines the mechanisms of adsorption of anthocyanins from model aqueous solutions at pH values of 3, 6, and 9 by ion-exchange resins making the main component of heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes. This is the first report demonstrating that the pH of the internal solution of a KU-2-8 aromatic cation-exchange resin is 2-3 units lower than the pH of the external bathing anthocyanin-containing solution, and the pH of the internal solution of some anion-exchange resins with an aromatic (AV-17-8, AV-17-2P) or aliphatic (EDE-10P) matrix is 2–4 units higher than the pH of the external solution. This pH shift is caused by the Donnan exclusion of hydroxyl ions (in the KU-2-8 resin) or protons (in the AV-17-8, AV-17-2P, and EDE-10P resins). The most significant pH shift is observed for the EDE-10P resin, which has the highest ion-exchange capacity causing the highest Donnan exclusion. Due to the pH shift, the electric charge of anthocyanin inside an ion-exchange resin differs from its charge in the external solution. At pH 6, the external solution contains uncharged anthocyanin molecules. However, in the AV-17-8 and AV-17-2P resins, the anthocyanins are present as singly charged anions, while in the EDE-10P resin, they are in the form of doubly charged anions. Due to the electrostatic interactions of these anions with the positively charged fixed groups of anion-exchange resins, the adsorption capacities of AV-17-8, AV-17-2P, and EDE-10P were higher than expected. It was established that the electrostatic interactions of anthocyanins with the charged fixed groups increase the adsorption capacity of the aromatic resin by a factor of 1.8–2.5 compared to the adsorption caused by the π–π (stacking) interactions. These results provide new insights into the fouling mechanism of ion-exchange materials by polyphenols; they can help develop strategies for membrane cleaning and for extracting anthocyanins from juices and wine using ion-exchange resins and membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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13 pages, 9322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MCM-41/PVA Composite as a Separator for Zinc–Air Batteries

by Sirinuch Nanthapong, Soorathep Kheawhom and Chalida Klaysom

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(19), 7052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21197052 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3611

Abstract

Membrane separators are one of the critical components in zinc–air batteries (ZABs). In the control of mass transfer, and hence, electrochemical reaction, membrane separators have an important role to play. This work addresses the issue of battery performance in a ZAB via a [...] Read more.

Membrane separators are one of the critical components in zinc–air batteries (ZABs). In the control of mass transfer, and hence, electrochemical reaction, membrane separators have an important role to play. This work addresses the issue of battery performance in a ZAB via a new composite membrane separator based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). To enhance the electrolyte uptake and ionic conductivity, mesoporous Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) is incorporated as a filler in the membrane while maintaining its integrity. The presence of MCM-41 is seen to reduce the number of cycles of secondary ZABs due to the uninvited drawbacks of increased zincate crossover and reduced triple phase boundary at the air cathode, which is pivotal for oxygen reduction reaction. Overall, results suggest that the application of the MCM-41/PVA composite has the potential for use as a separator in high-capacity primary ZABs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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26 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transitions and Instabilities in Imperfect Ion-Selective Membranes

by Jarrod Schiffbauer, Evgeny Demekhin and Georgy Ganchenko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(18), 6526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186526 - 7 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

Numerical investigation of the underlimiting, limiting, and overlimiting current modes and their transitions in imperfect ion-selective membranes with fluid flow through permitted through the membrane is presented. The system is treated as a three layer composite system of electrolyte-porous membrane-electrolyte where the Nernst–Planck–Poisson–Stokes [...] Read more.

Numerical investigation of the underlimiting, limiting, and overlimiting current modes and their transitions in imperfect ion-selective membranes with fluid flow through permitted through the membrane is presented. The system is treated as a three layer composite system of electrolyte-porous membrane-electrolyte where the Nernst–Planck–Poisson–Stokes system of equations is used in the electrolyte, and the Darcy–Brinkman approach is employed in the nanoporous membrane. In order to resolve thin Debye and Darcy layers, quasi-spectral methods are applied using Chebyshev polynomials for their accumulation of zeros and, hence, best resolution in the layers. The boundary between underlimiting and overlimiting current regimes is subject of linear stability analysis, where the transition to overlimiting current is assumed due to the electrokinetic instability of the one-dimensional quiescent state. However, the well-developed overlimiting current is inherently a problem of nonlinear stability and is subject of the direct numerical simulation of the full system of equations. Both high and low fixed charge density membranes (low- and high concentration electrolyte solutions), acting respectively as (nearly) perfect or imperfect membranes, are considered. The perfect membrane is adequately described by a one-layer model while the imperfect membrane has a more sophisticated response. In particular, the direct transition from underlimiting to overlimiting currents, bypassing the limiting currents, is found to be possible for imperfect membranes (high-concentration electrolyte). The transition to the overlimiting currents for the low-concentration electrolyte solutions is monotonic, while for the high-concentration solutions it is oscillatory. Despite the fact that velocities in the porous membrane are much smaller than in the electrolyte region, it is further demonstrated that they can dramatically influence the nature and transition to the overlimiting regimes. A map of the bifurcations, transitions, and regimes is constructed in coordinates of the fixed membrane charge and the Darcy number. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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16 pages, 2310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Membrane Transport Equations for Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) Using Irreversible Thermodynamics

by Wojciech Kujawski, Andriy Yaroshchuk, Emiliy Zholkovskiy, Izabela Koter and Stanislaw Koter

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(17), 6325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176325 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2767

Abstract

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is an electro-membrane process for the conversion of mixing energy into electricity. One important problem researchers’ face when modeling the RED process is the choice of the proper membrane transport equations. In this study, using experimental data that describe the [...] Read more.

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is an electro-membrane process for the conversion of mixing energy into electricity. One important problem researchers’ face when modeling the RED process is the choice of the proper membrane transport equations. In this study, using experimental data that describe the membrane Nafion 120 in contact with NaCl aqueous solutions, the linear transport equation of irreversible thermodynamics was applied to calculate the power density of the RED system. Various simplifying assumptions about transport equation (i.e., four-, three-, and two-coefficients approaches) are proposed and discussed. We found that the two-coefficients approach, using the membrane conductivity and the apparent transport number of ions, describes the power density with good accuracy. In addition, the influence of the membrane thickness and the concentration polarization on the power density is also demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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11 pages, 1949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Correlation between the Water Content and Electrolyte Permeability of Cation-Exchange Membranes

by M. A. Izquierdo-Gil, J. P. G. Villaluenga, S. Muñoz and V. M. Barragán

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(16), 5897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21165897 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3127

Abstract

The salt permeability through three commercial cation-exchange membranes with different morphologies is investigated in aqueous NaCl solutions. Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) find application in different processes such as electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, diffusion dialysis, membrane electrolysis, membrane fuel cells and ion exchange bioreactors. The aim [...] Read more.

The salt permeability through three commercial cation-exchange membranes with different morphologies is investigated in aqueous NaCl solutions. Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) find application in different processes such as electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, diffusion dialysis, membrane electrolysis, membrane fuel cells and ion exchange bioreactors. The aim of this paper is the experimental determination of the electrolyte permeability in the following membranes: MK-40 membrane, Nafion N324 membrane and Nafion 117 membrane. The latter is selected as being a reference membrane. The effect of an increase in the NaCl concentration in the solutions on membranes transport properties is analyzed. With regard to membranes sorption, a decrease in the water content was observed when the external electrolyte concentration is increased. Concerning permeation through the membranes, the salt permeability increased with concentration for the Nafion 117 membrane and remained nearly constant for the other two membranes. A close relation between the degree of liquid sorption by the membranes and the electrolyte permeability was observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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12 pages, 3907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Anion Exchange Membrane for Bisulfite Anion Separation by Grafting a Quaternized Moiety through BPPO via Thermal-Induced Phase Separation

by Md Mofasserul Alam, Yaoming Wang, Chenxiao Jiang, Tingting Xu, Yahua Liu and Tongwen Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(16), 5782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21165782 - 12 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3040

Abstract

Ion-exchange membranes are the core elements for an electrodialysis (ED) separation process. Phase inversion is an effective method, particularly for commercial membrane production. It introduces two different mechanisms, i.e., thermal induced phase separation (TIPS) and diffusion induced phase separation (DIPS). In this study, [...] Read more.

Ion-exchange membranes are the core elements for an electrodialysis (ED) separation process. Phase inversion is an effective method, particularly for commercial membrane production. It introduces two different mechanisms, i.e., thermal induced phase separation (TIPS) and diffusion induced phase separation (DIPS). In this study, anion exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared by grafting a quaternized moiety (QM,2-[dimethylaminomethyl]naphthalen-1-ol) through brominated poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (BPPO) via the TIPS method. Those membranes were applied for selective bisulfite (HSO₃⁻) anion separation using ED. The membrane surface morphology was characterized by SEM, and the compositions were magnified using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Notably, the membranes showed excellent substance stability in an alkali medium and in grafting tests performed in a QM-soluble solvent. The ED experiment indicated that the as-prepared membrane exhibited better HSO₃⁻ separation performance than the state-of-the-art commercial Neosepta AMX (ASTOM, Japan) membrane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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16 pages, 2634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Transport of Ag(I) through a Polymer Inclusion Membrane Containing a Calix[4]pyrrole Derivative from Nitrate Aqueous Solutions

by Anna Nowik-Zajac, Iwona Zawierucha and Cezary Kozlowski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155348 - 28 Jul 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2354

Abstract

Cellulose-triacetate-based polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) with different concentrations of a calixpyrrole ester derivative as the membrane carrier were studied to determine their ability to transport Ag(I) from aqueous nitrate solutions. The effects of the concentrations of ion carriers and metal ions, the pH [...] Read more.

Cellulose-triacetate-based polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) with different concentrations of a calixpyrrole ester derivative as the membrane carrier were studied to determine their ability to transport Ag(I) from aqueous nitrate solutions. The effects of the concentrations of ion carriers and metal ions, the pH of the source aqueous phase, and stripping agents on the effective transport of Ag(I) were assessed. All studied parameters were found to be important factors for the transport of Ag(I) metal ions. The initial fluxes were determined at different temperatures. The prepared membranes were found to be highly permeable. The selectivity of silver transport from an aqueous solution containing Ag(I), Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) ions was also investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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20 pages, 9115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Scale Study: First Demonstration of Hydrophobic Membranes for the Removal of Ammonia Molecules from Rendering Condensate Wastewater

by Brian Brennan, Ciprian Briciu-Burghina, Sean Hickey, Thomas Abadie, Sultan M. al Ma Awali, Yan Delaure, John Durkan, Linda Holland, Brid Quilty, Mohammad Tajparast, Casper Pulit, Lorna Fitzsimons, Kieran Nolan, Fiona Regan and Jenny Lawler

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(11), 3914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21113914 - 30 May 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3649

Abstract

Hydrophobic membrane contactors represent a promising solution to the problem of recycling ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH₄) molecules from waste, water or wastewater resources. The process has been shown to work best with wastewater streams that present high N-NH₄ concentrations, low buffering [...] Read more.

Hydrophobic membrane contactors represent a promising solution to the problem of recycling ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH₄) molecules from waste, water or wastewater resources. The process has been shown to work best with wastewater streams that present high N-NH₄ concentrations, low buffering capacities and low total suspended solids. The removal of N-NH₄ from rendering condensate, produced during heat treatment of waste animal tissue, was assessed in this research using a hydrophobic membrane contactor. This study investigates how the molecular composition of rendering condensate wastewater undergo changes in its chemistry in order to achieve suitability to be treated using hydrophobic membranes and form a suitable product. The main objective was to test the ammonia stripping technology using two types of hydrophobic membrane materials, polypropylene (PP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) at pilot scale and carry out: (i) Process modification for NH₃ molecule removal and (ii) product characterization from the process. The results demonstrate that PP membranes are not compatible with the condensate waste as it caused wetting. The PTFE membranes showed potential and had a longer lifetime than the PP membranes and removed up to 64% of NH₃ molecules from the condensate waste. The product formed contained a 30% concentrated ammonium sulphate salt which has a potential application as a fertilizer. This is the first demonstration of hydrophobic membrane contactors for treatment of condensate wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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22 pages, 1212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Preheating Temperature on the Separation of Whey Proteins When Combined with Chemical or Bipolar Membrane Electrochemical Acidification

by Claudie Aspirault, Alain Doyen and Laurent Bazinet

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(8), 2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21082792 - 17 Apr 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2759

Abstract

Separation of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin improves their respective nutritional and functional properties. One strategy to improve their fractionation is to modify their pH and ionic strength to induce the selective aggregation and precipitation of one of the proteins of interest. Electrodialysis with bipolar [...] Read more.

Separation of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin improves their respective nutritional and functional properties. One strategy to improve their fractionation is to modify their pH and ionic strength to induce the selective aggregation and precipitation of one of the proteins of interest. Electrodialysis with bipolar membrane (EDBM) is a green process that simultaneously provides acidification and demineralization of a solution without adding any chemical compounds. This research presents the impact on whey proteins separation of different preheating temperatures (20, 50, 55 and 60 °C) combined with EDBM or chemical acidification of 10% whey protein isolate solutions. A β-lactoglobulin fraction at 81.8% purity was obtained in the precipitate after EDBM acidification and preheated at 60 °C, representing a recovery yield of 35.8%. In comparison, chemical acidification combined with a 60 °C preheating treatment provides a β-lactoglobulin fraction at 70.9% purity with a 11.6% recovery yield. The combination of EDBM acidification with a preheating treatment at 60 °C led to a better separation of the main whey proteins than chemical acidification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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23 pages, 12402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Electrical Heterogeneity Parameters of Ion-Exchange Membrane Surface Affect the Mass Transfer and Water Splitting Rate in Electrodialysis

by Svetlana Zyryanova, Semyon Mareev, Violetta Gil, Elizaveta Korzhova, Natalia Pismenskaya, Veronika Sarapulova, Olesya Rybalkina, Evgeniy Boyko, Christian Larchet, Lasaad Dammak and Victor Nikonenko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(3), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21030973 - 1 Feb 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3316

Abstract

Electrodialysis (ED) has been demonstrated as an effective membrane method for desalination, concentration, and separation. Electroconvection (EC) is a phenomenon which can essentially increase the mass transfer rate and reduce the undesirable water splitting effect. Efforts by a number of researchers are ongoing [...] Read more.

Electrodialysis (ED) has been demonstrated as an effective membrane method for desalination, concentration, and separation. Electroconvection (EC) is a phenomenon which can essentially increase the mass transfer rate and reduce the undesirable water splitting effect. Efforts by a number of researchers are ongoing to create conditions for developing EC, in particular, through the formation of electrical heterogeneity on the membrane surface. We attempt, for the first time, to optimize the parameters of surface electrical heterogeneity for ion-exchange membranes used in a laboratory ED cell. Thirteen different patterns on the surface of two Neosepta anion-exchange membranes, AMX and AMX-Sb, were tested. Low-conductive fluoropolymer spots were formed on the membrane surface using the electrospinning technique. Spots in the form of squares, rectangles, and circles with different sizes and distances between them were applied. We found that the spots’ shape did not have a visible effect. The best effect, i.e., the maximum mass transfer rate and the minimum water splitting rate, was found when the spots’ size was close to that of the diffusion layer thickness, δ (about 250 μm in the experimental conditions), and the distance between the spots was slightly larger than δ, such that the fraction of the screened surface was about 20%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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23 pages, 4169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Campylobacter concisus Impairs Sodium Absorption in Colonic Epithelium via ENaC Dysfunction and Claudin-8 Disruption

by Praveen Kumar Nattramilarasu, Roland Bücker, Fábia Daniela Lobo de Sá, Anja Fromm, Oliver Nagel, In-Fah Maria Lee, Eduard Butkevych, Soraya Mousavi, Claudia Genger, Sigri Kløve, Markus M. Heimesaat, Stefan Bereswill, Michal R. Schweiger, Hans Linde Nielsen, Hanno Troeger and Jörg-Dieter Schulzke

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(2), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21020373 - 7 Jan 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3684

Abstract

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) can increase the colonic absorptive capacity for salt and water. Campylobacter concisus is a common pathogenic epsilonproteobacterium, causing enteritis and diarrhea. It can induce barrier dysfunction in the intestine, but its influence on intestinal transport function is still [...] Read more.

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) can increase the colonic absorptive capacity for salt and water. Campylobacter concisus is a common pathogenic epsilonproteobacterium, causing enteritis and diarrhea. It can induce barrier dysfunction in the intestine, but its influence on intestinal transport function is still unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to characterize C. concisus effects on ENaC using the HT-29/B6-GR/MR (epithelial cell line HT-29/B6 transfected with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors) cell model and mouse colon. In Ussing chambers, C. concisus infection inhibited ENaC-dependent Na⁺ transport as indicated by a reduction in amiloride-sensitive short circuit current (−55%, n = 15, p < 0.001). This occurred via down-regulation of β- and γ-ENaC mRNA expression and ENaC ubiquitination due to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation, predicted by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). In parallel, C. concisus reduced the expression of the sealing tight junction (TJ) protein claudin-8 and induced claudin-8 redistribution off the TJ domain of the enterocytes, which facilitates the back leakage of Na⁺ ions into the intestinal lumen. In conclusion, C. concisus caused ENaC dysfunction via interleukin-32-regulated ERK1/2, as well as claudin-8-dependent barrier dysfunction—both of which contribute to Na⁺ malabsorption and diarrhea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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12 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ion-Based Cellular Signal Transmission, Principles of Minimum Information Loss, and Evolution by Natural Selection

by B. Roy Frieden and Robert Gatenby

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010009 - 18 Dec 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2653

Abstract

The Extreme Physical Information EPI principle states that maximum information transmission or, equivalently, a minimum information loss is a fundamental property of nature. Prior work has demonstrated the universal EPI principle allows derivation of nearly all physical laws. Here, we investigate whether EPI [...] Read more.

The Extreme Physical Information EPI principle states that maximum information transmission or, equivalently, a minimum information loss is a fundamental property of nature. Prior work has demonstrated the universal EPI principle allows derivation of nearly all physical laws. Here, we investigate whether EPI can similarly give rise to the fundamental law of life: Evolution. Living systems require information to survive and proliferate. Heritable information in the genome encodes the structure and function of cellular macromolecules but this information remains fixed over time. In contrast, a cell must rapidly and continuously access, analyze, and respond to a wide range of continuously changing spatial and temporal information in the environment. We propose these two information dynamics are linked because the genes encode the structure of the macromolecules that form information conduits necessary for the dynamical interactions with the external environment. However, because the genome does not have the capacity to precisely locate the time and location of external signals, we propose the cell membrane is the site at which most external information is received and processed. In our model, an external signal is detected by gates on transmembrane ion channel and transmitted into the cytoplasm through ions that flow along pre-existing concentration gradients when the gate opens. The resulting cytoplasmic ion “puff” is localized in both time and space, thus producing spatial and temporal information. Small, localized signals in the cytoplasm are “processed” through alterations in the function and location of peripheral membrane proteins. Larger perturbations produce prolonged or spatially extensive changes in cytoplasmic ion concentrations that can be transmitted to other organelles via ion flows along elements of the cytoskeleton. An evolutionary constraint to the ever-increasing acquisition of environmental information is the cost of doing so. One solution to this trade-off is the evolution of information conduits that minimize signal loss during transmission. Since the structures of these conduits are encoded in the genome, evolution of macromolecular conduits that minimize signal loss is linked to and, in fact, governed by a universal principle, termed extreme physical information (EPI). Mathematical analysis of information dynamics based on the flow of ions through membrane channels and along wire-like cytoskeleton macromolecules fulfills the EPI principle. Thus, the empirically derived model of evolution by natural selection, although uniquely applicable to living systems, is theoretically grounded in a universal principle that can also be used to derive the laws of physics. Finally, if minimization of signal loss is a mechanism to overcome energy constraints, the model predicts increasing information and associated complexity are closely linked to increased efficiency of energy production or improved substrate acquisition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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Review

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20 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessReview

Expression, Distribution and Role of Aquaporins in Various Rhinologic Conditions

by Su Young Jung, Dong Choon Park, Sung Su Kim and Seung Geun Yeo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(16), 5853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21165853 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2623

Abstract

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water-specific membrane channel proteins that regulate cellular and organismal water homeostasis. The nose, an organ with important respiratory and olfactory functions, is the first organ exposed to external stimuli. Nose-related topics such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) [...] Read more.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water-specific membrane channel proteins that regulate cellular and organismal water homeostasis. The nose, an organ with important respiratory and olfactory functions, is the first organ exposed to external stimuli. Nose-related topics such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have been the subject of extensive research. These studies have reported that mechanisms that drive the development of multiple inflammatory diseases that occur in the nose and contribute to the process of olfactory recognition of compounds entering the nasal cavity involve the action of water channels such as AQPs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between AQPs and rhinologic conditions, focusing on the current state of knowledge and mechanisms that link AQPs and rhinologic conditions. Key conclusions include the following: (1) Various AQPs are expressed in both nasal mucosa and olfactory mucosa; (2) the expression of AQPs in these tissues is different in inflammatory diseases such as AR or CRS, as compared with that in normal tissues; (3) the expression of AQPs in CRS differs depending on the presence or absence of nasal polyps; and (4) the expression of AQPs in tissues associated with olfaction is different from that in the respiratory epithelium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

33 pages, 3690 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selectivity of Transport Processes in Ion-Exchange Membranes: Relationship with the Structure and Methods for Its Improvement

by Irina Stenina, Daniel Golubenko, Victor Nikonenko and Andrey Yaroslavtsev

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(15), 5517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155517 - 1 Aug 2020

Cited by 121 | Viewed by 9036

Abstract

Nowadays, ion-exchange membranes have numerous applications in water desalination, electrolysis, chemistry, food, health, energy, environment and other fields. All of these applications require high selectivity of ion transfer, i.e., high membrane permselectivity. The transport properties of ion-exchange membranes are determined by their structure, [...] Read more.

Nowadays, ion-exchange membranes have numerous applications in water desalination, electrolysis, chemistry, food, health, energy, environment and other fields. All of these applications require high selectivity of ion transfer, i.e., high membrane permselectivity. The transport properties of ion-exchange membranes are determined by their structure, composition and preparation method. For various applications, the selectivity of transfer processes can be characterized by different parameters, for example, by the transport number of counterions (permselectivity in electrodialysis) or by the ratio of ionic conductivity to the permeability of some gases (crossover in fuel cells). However, in most cases there is a correlation: the higher the flux density of the target component through the membrane, the lower the selectivity of the process. This correlation has two aspects: first, it follows from the membrane material properties, often expressed as the trade-off between membrane permeability and permselectivity; and, second, it is due to the concentration polarization phenomenon, which increases with an increase in the applied driving force. In this review, both aspects are considered. Recent research and progress in the membrane selectivity improvement, mainly including a number of approaches as crosslinking, nanoparticle doping, surface modification, and the use of special synthetic methods (e.g., synthesis of grafted membranes or membranes with a fairly rigid three-dimensional matrix) are summarized. These approaches are promising for the ion-exchange membranes synthesis for electrodialysis, alternative energy, and the valuable component extraction from natural or waste-water. Perspectives on future development in this research field are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion and Molecule Transport in Membrane Systems 2.0)

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