Enhanced filtration performance and anti-biofouling properties of antibacterial polyethersulfone membrane for fermentation broth concentration

The anti-biofouling performance of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) modified polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was evaluated during the concentration of fermentation broth. The Ag NPs containing membrane did not exhibit biofouling mitigation performance during the first filtration cycle, but could help to recover water flux upon physical cleaning. After three filtration-clean cycles, the Ag NPs containing membranes presented higher water flux and slower flux decline than the control membranes without Ag NPs. Ag NPs on the membrane surface facilitated the effective removal of cake layer. Moreover, the Ag NPs-containing membrane had no negative effects on the activities of bacteria in fermentation broth.