Abstract
A two separate phaseโenzymatic membrane reactor is an attractive process since it has a large interfacial area and exchange surfaces, simultaneous reaction and separation and other benefits. Many factors influence its successful operation, and these include characteristics of the enzyme, membrane, circulating fluids and reactor operations. Although the operating conditions are the main factor, other factors must be considered before, during or after its application. At the initial stage of reactor development, the solubility of substrates and products, type of operation, membrane material and size, enzyme preparation and loading procedure, and cleanliness of the recirculated fluids should be specified. The immobilization site, reactor arrangement, dissolved or noโsolvent operation, classic or emulsion operation and immobilized or suspended enzyme(s) are determined later. Some factors still need further studies. Utilization of the technology is described for use from multigramโ to plantโscale capacity to process racemic and achiral compounds. The racemates were resolved primarily by kinetic resolution, but dynamic kinetic resolution has been exploited. The technology focused on hydrolytic reactions, but esterification processes were also exploited. Copyright ยฉ 2011 Society of Chemical Industry