Model-based design of a microfluidic pervaporation device for intensified VOC separation

Potočnik, Helena (avtor), Šmigoc, Yannick (avtor), Plazl, Igor (avtor), Žnidaršič Plazl, Polona (avtor), Ambrožič, Rok (avtor)

Downstream separation remains a major bottleneck in the development of continuous bioprocesses, particularly in the removal of volatile organic by-products such as acetone and acetophenone. Here we present a novel microfluidic pervaporation device developed for efficient VOC extraction from aqueous media under steady-state conditions. The system integrates a 3D-printed channel architecture with a PDMS membrane and leverages a first-principles mathematical model that does not require customised parameters. Experimental validation with acetone–water and acetophenone-buffer mixtures demonstrated excellent separation performance with a separation efficiency of over 97 %. A detailed time scale analysis confirmed that membrane diffusion is the dominant transport resistance, guiding optimization strategies toward geometric design and membrane material selection. The predictive power of the developed mathematical model enabled a rational tuning of geometry and flow conditions, while the modular fabrication approach ensures adaptability and scalability. This work highlights the potential of combining microfluidics, modeling and additive manufacturing to intensify separations and enable seamless integration into upstream biocatalytic or pharmaceutical production systems.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: microfluidic pervaporation, volatile organic compounds, process intensification, mathematical modeling, continuous separation
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.01 - Izvirni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: FKKT - Fakulteta za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Datum objave: 22.12.2025
• Leto izida: 2025
• Št. strani: 13 str.
• Številčenje: Vol. 378, pt. 3, art. 134795
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-171402
• UDK: 66.023.23
• ISSN pri članku: 1383-5866
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2025.134795
• COBISS.SI-ID: 246512131
• Datum objave v RUL: 25.08.2025

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: Separation and purification technology
• Skrajšan naslov: Sep. purif. technol.
• Založnik: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1383-5866
• COBISS.SI-ID: 1247765

Licence

• Licenca: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva 4.0 Mednarodna
• Povezava: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.sl
• Opis: To je standardna licenca Creative Commons, ki daje uporabnikom največ možnosti za nadaljnjo uporabo dela, pri čemer morajo navesti avtorja.

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: mikrofluidna pervaporacija, hlapne organske spojine, intenzifikacija procesov, matematično modeliranje, kontinuirno ločevanje