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A greener route to prepare PEBAX®1074 membranes for gas separation processes

Publication . Ortiz-Albo, Paloma; Delgado Alves, Vitor; Kumakiri, Izumi; Crespo, Joao; Neves, Luísa A.

The solvent used in membrane fabrication is crucial for a potential industrial application, with a direct effect on its safety, environmental and economic impact. Thus, in the last years, the search for greener and safer solvents became of utmost importance aiming for a sustainable fabrication of highly performing membranes, since that also affects the final membrane morphology. Typically, solvent evaporation-based methods are used for the preparation of membranes for gas separation processes, such as dip-coating and spray coating methods. The advantage of this approach relies on the possibility of using greener non-toxic solvents, such as water and ethanol. However, an alternative route might involve the use of phase inversion methods. In this procedure, the selection of the solvent will play an even more important role, with an impact on the gas separation membrane properties. Small defects or structural changes will decisively alter the final membrane performance. In this work, it is presented for the first time the alternative use of a non-toxic and eco-friendly solvent, Rhodiasolv®Polarclean, for the preparation of CO2-selective PEBAX®-based membranes using a hybrid phase inversion method. This preliminary study evaluates the relationship between the fabrication protocol, with the resulting structural, thermal, and mechanical membrane properties for self-standing membranes. The gas sep- aration performance was tested for different gases: H2, N2, O2, CO2 and CH4. This analysis also includes a comparison with the commonly used, although strongly restricted and hazardous, solvent N-Methyl-2-Pyrroli- done (NMP).

2024-02Journal article

Open access

A Comprehensive Review of Fish Protein Hydrolysates Targeting Pet Food Formulations

Publication . Ribeiro, Tânia Bragança; Maia, Margarida R. G.; Fonseca, António J. M.; Marques, Bianca; Caleja, Cristina; Rosa, Ana; Martins, Rui; Almeida, André; Mota, Maria J.; Aires, Tiago; Rocha, Cristina M. R.; Teixeira, José A.; Ana R. J. Cabrita, Ana R. J. Cabrita; Barros, Lillian; Pintado, Manuela

The fish industry generates significant amounts of fish by- and co-products (FBCPs) annually, projected to reach 160.8 million tonnes by 2030. This growth highlights the urgent need for sustainable FBCP management and an oppor- tunity to improve the sector’s environmental sustainability. Fish protein hydro- lysates (FBCPHs) and bioactive peptides (BPs) derived from these FBCPs are gaining recognition in the pet food sector for their nutritional and bioactives benefits. FBCPHs, primarily sourced from category 3 by-products unsuitable for human consumption, could significantly enhance the economic viability of both industries. This review analyzes production processes, highlighting the benefits and challenges of enzymatic hydrolysis and reviewed emerging technologies such as subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH), which are promising sustainable alternatives by enhancing extraction efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The review explores FBCPHs’ applications in pet food, focusing on beneficial biological activities (e.g. antioxidant, prebiotic, neuro- protective). Findings show FBCPHs have significant potential in pet food formulations, providing palatability, hypoallergenic benefits, and addressing health concerns like gastrointestinal disorders and stress-related behaviors. However, further research is required to optimize production processes, scale industrial application, and ensure regulatory compliance. In conclusion, FBCPHs present a valuable solution for promoting sustainability, improving pet nutrition, and supporting the circular economy

2024-11Journal article

Open access