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Cellular nanoparticles (CNPs), fabricated by coating natural cell membranes onto nanoparticle cores, have been widely used to replicate cellular functions for various therapeutic applications. Specifically, CNPs act as cell decoys, binding harmful molecules or infectious pathogens and neutralizing their bioactivity. This neutralization strategy leverages the targets functional properties rather than its structure, resulting in broad-spectrum efficacy. Since their inception, CNP platforms have undergone significant advancements to enhance their neutralizing capabilities and efficiency. This review traces the research advances of CNP technology as multiplex countermeasures across four categories with progressive functions: neutralization through cell membrane binding, simultaneous neutralization using both cell membrane and nanoparticle core, continuous neutralization via enzymatic degradation, and enhanced neutralization through membrane modification. The review highlights the structure-property relationship in CNP designs, showing the functional advances of each category of CNP. By providing an overview of CNPs in multiplex neutralization of a wide range of chemical and biological threat agents, this article aims to inspire the development of more advanced CNP nanoformulations and uncover innovative applications to address unresolved medical challenges.

Orthoflavivirus, a genus encompassing arthropod-borne, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses in the Flaviviridae family, represents clinically relevant viruses that pose significant threats to human and animal health worldwide. With warming climates and persistent urbanization, arthropod vectors and the viruses they transmit continue to widen their geographic distribution, expanding endemic zones. Flaviviruses such as dengue virus, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and tick-borne encephalitis virus cause debilitating and fatal infections globally. In 2024, the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization declared the current dengue situation a Multi-Country Grade 3 Outbreak, the highest level. FDA-approved treatment options for diseases caused by flaviviruses are limited or non-existent, and vaccines are suboptimal for many flaviviruses. Understanding the molecular characteristics of the flavivirus life cycle, virus-host interactions, and resulting pathogenesis in various cells and model systems is critical for developing effective therapeutic intervention strategies. This review will focus on the virus-host interactions of mosquito- and tick-borne flaviviruses from the virus replication and assembly perspective, emphasizing the interplay between viral non-structural proteins and host pathways that are hijacked for their advantage. Highlighting interaction pathways, including innate immunity, intracellular movement, and membrane modification, emphasizes the need for rigorous and targeted antiviral research and development against these re-emerging viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in membrane modification processes to improve their characteristics and the effectiveness of their treatments and reduce the possible fouling. In this sense, in this work, a modification of an ultrafiltration membrane with three different materials has been carried out: reduced graphene oxide (rGO), chitosan and MgCl2. For both the native and the modified membranes, a study has been carried out to remove the emerging contaminant sulfamethoxazole (SMX). SEM and SEM-EDX analyses have been performed to confirm membrane surface modifications. In the characterisation of the membranes, it is noteworthy that the values of the permeability coefficient, Aw, have been lower in the modified membranes, which is unexpected. Regarding the pollutant removal tests, the influence of pressure and initial concentration on permeate flux and rejections has been studied. Native membrane shows the highest permeate flux values. Comparing the modified membranes, the highest rejection values are obtained with the rGO-modified membrane, which can be explained by its greater hydrophilic character. Finally, a fouling study was carried out, verifying that in almost all cases, fouling occurs after the passage of the pollutant due to the blockage of the membrane pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modifications for different types of membrane were discussed. • Size exclusion is still the main and robust mechanism for virus removal. • The properties of the pristine membrane determine the direction of modifying. • Virus inactivation by membrane is the promising method for virus removal by membrane. Many waterborne diseases are related with viruses, and COVID-19 worldwide has raised the concern of virus security in water into the public horizon. Compared to other conventional water treatment processes, membrane technology can achieve satisfactory virus removal with fewer chemicals, and prevent the outbreaks of viruses to a maximal extent. Researchers developed new modification methods to improve membrane performance. This review focused on the membrane modifications that enhance the performance in virus removal. The characteristics of viruses and their removal by membrane filtration were briefly generalized, and membrane modifications were systematically discussed through different virus removal mechanisms, including size exclusion, hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions, electronic interactions, and inactivation. Advanced functional materials for membrane modification were summarized based on their nature. Furthermore, it is suggested that membranes should be enhanced through different mechanisms mainly based on their ranks of pore size. The current review provided theoretical support regarding membrane modifications in the enhancement of virus removal and avenues for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Beijing University of Technology is the property of Journal of Beijing University of Technology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This comparative study investigates the modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with different nanoparticles (TiO2 or TiO2-based composites containing BiVO4 and/or CNT), using three distinct methods (blending, coating, and grafting) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The objective was to enhance the photocatalytic and filtration performance for the separation of oil-in-water emulsions. Regarding the UV activity, the PVDF-TiO2/CNT/PVP-coated membrane presented the best performance. Overall, the addition of 2 wt.% CNT to the TiO2 notably enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the membranes for both UV and visible irradiations. Meanwhile, the presence of 2 wt.% BiVO4 was beneficial only for photocatalysis under visible light irradiation. Regarding the filtration of the oil-in-water emulsions, 2 wt.% CNT or BiVO4 addition resulted in the highest fluxes in the series of the PVDF-TiO2-grafted membranes. The presence of pore former PVP led to relatively high fluxes and photocatalytic activities for all series. Regarding the modification methods, coated membranes showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency and lowest fluxes. Grafted membranes showed relatively high photocatalytic efficiencies and the best filtration performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an X‐ray radiation‐induced modification of the structure and gas permeation behavior of ZIF‐8 membranes. With 300 min irradiation time, CO2 permeance decreases by only 9 %, while N2 and CH4 permeances reduce by 75 and 65 %, respectively, leading to 3.7‐ and 2.6‐fold enhancements in ideal selectivity for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks(COFs) is a new type of porous material,which is composed of light elements with first and second periods,such as C,H,O,N and B, connected by reversible strong covalent bonds(C—C,C—O,C—Si,B—O),with adjustable pore size and various functional groups. In recent years,it has been used in the modified preparation of water treatment membrane materials. In this paper,the preparation and application of imine type COFs materials were briefly introduced,and the latest application progress of imine based COFs modified membranes in organic dye separation,seawater desalination,pervaporation,heavy metal ion removal, and organic solvent nanofiltration was emphatically introduced,and the mechanism of COFs materials in water treatment membranes was analyzed. It was concluded that the COFs modified water treatment membrane had not been widely studied in the field of water treatment due to high production cost,inappropriate pore size,and easy to be contaminated. The above problems would be the focus of future research.

This research explored the use of a partially cross-linked graft copolymer (PCLNPG) as an innovative nanopolymer pore-forming agent to enhance polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membranes for protein separation applications. The study systematically examined the impact of incorporating PCLNPG at varying concentrations on the morphological and surface properties of PPSU membranes. A thorough characterization of the resulting PPSU-PCLNPG membranes was performed, focusing on changes in morphology, water affinity, porosity, pore size, and pore size distribution. The experimental findings demonstrated that the use of PCLNPG led to a significantly more porous structure, as confirmed by SEM analysis, with notable increases in porosity and pore size (nearly double). Additionally, the hydrophilicity of the PPSU membrane was remarkably enhanced. Performance evaluations revealed a substantial improvement in pure water flux, with the flux nearly tripling. The BSA retention was directly correlated with the concentration of the PCLNPG pore former for a loading range of 0.25–0.75 wt.%. The incorporation of PCLNPG also reduced the membrane fouling propensity by reducing both cake layer resistance (Rc) and pore plugging resistance (Rp). These results underscore the potential of PCLNPG-PPSU membranes for wastewater reclamation and nutrient recovery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industrial Water Treatment is the property of CNOOC Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Technology of Water Treatment is the property of Technology of Water Treatment Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The rapid expansion of urban areas and the increasing demand for water resources necessitate substantial investments in technologies that enable the reuse of municipal wastewater for various purposes. Nonetheless, numerous challenges remain, particularly regarding disinfection by-products (DBPs), especially carcinogenic compounds such as N-nitrosamines (NTRs). To tackle the ongoing issues associated with reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, this study investigated the rejection of NTRs across a range of commercially available RO membranes. In addition, the research aimed to improve rejection rates by integrating molecular plugs into the nanopores of the polyamide (PA) layer. Hexylamine (HEX) and hexamethylenediamine (HDMA), both linear chain amines, have proven to be effective as molecular plugs for enhancing the removal of NTRs. Given the environmental and human health concerns associated with linear amines, the study also aimed to assess the feasibility of diamine molecules as potential alternatives. The application of molecular plugs led to changes in pore size distribution (PSD) and effective pore number, resulting in a decrease in membrane permeability (from 5 to 33%), while maintaining levels suitable for RO processes. HEX and HDMA exhibited a positive effect on NTR rejection with ACM1, ACM5 and BW30LE membranes. In particular, NDMA rejection, the smallest molecule of the tested NTRs, with ACM1 was improved by 65.5% and 70.6% after treatment with HEX and HDMA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial polyethersulfone membranes were modified to hydrophilize the surface and improve their transport properties for the nitrite removal process. The nitrites removal method from aqueous solutions is based on their ability to form complex due to binding with amino groups of the water-soluble polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI) in an acidic medium. The complex was separated using the modified membrane in the process of enhanced ultrafiltration. The surface of polyethersulfone membranes was modified using dopamine and polyacrylic acid in order to obtain a charged membrane surface, increase the water permeability coefficient, and improve transport properties. Modification conditions were established as the concentration of dopamine solution 10 mg/ml, pH = 8, T = 298 K, duration of modification 20 h, concentration of polyacrylic acid 0.5 wt.%, T = 298 K, duration of modification 2 h in the presence of EDAC. The effectiveness of the modification, the presence of new functional groups, and the change in surface morphology as a result of the modification were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The changes in the zeta potential of the membrane surface before and after modification were evaluated. The modification of the membranes leads to an increase in the mass transfer coefficient by 1.65 times and the water permeability coefficient by 1.2 times. The effect of pH, PEI concentration, and the presence of chlorides and sulfates on the process of nitrite extraction from solutions during ultrafiltration was studied. The optimal conditions for nitrite binding were determined as a pH value of 4; 0.5 wt.% concentration of PEI; and reaction time of 60 min. The ultrafiltration experiments of unmodified and modified PES020 commercial membranes were carried out. The productivity of modified membranes is higher than unmodified ones by 20-60 %, which compensates for a slight decrease in the retention coefficient in the process of nitrite removal. The retention coefficient of nitrites by this method is at least 70 %, which allows the effective use of this hybrid technology to remove nitrites from water in high concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, numerous businesses produce significant amounts of wastewater that is greasy. Separating the stable emulsified oil particles from water is the fundamental difficulty in treating oily wastewater. Generally speaking, polymeric membranes are essential in these procedures due to how simple and inexpensive modern separation processing is, as well as how flexible they are. The phase inversion method utilized in this study to create a poly vinyl alcohol (PVC) membrane is demonstrated. In order to increase both permeation flow and fouling resistance, PVC has been modified by the addition of polymeric additives like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Additionally, in this paper, we compare lab chemical membrane and commercial chemical membrane on the basis of their fluxes, rejection, and characterization. The enhanced PVC/PVP membranes were characterized and evaluated using mechanical strength, porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and water contact angle measurement. The membranes were subsequently tested at a lab size in a cross-flow system with synthetic greasy wastewater as the input.

This research investigates the synergistic impact of incorporating Mg(OH)2 and rice husk silica additives during membrane fabrication to enhance both selectivity and resistance to fouling. The main objective is to harness the enhanced hydrophilicity provided by both additives to elevate membrane characteristics and performance, while also addressing the individual limitations of each additive when used separately. The introduction of Mg(OH)2 and silica is performed on the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane via blending method. The findings of the research show that combination of Mg(OH)2 and silica as additive result in exceptional attributes of the PES membrane, in comparison to membranes modified with each additive separately. This membrane demonstrates outstanding characteristics, including a remarkable porosity of 60.7 %, and exceptional antifouling capability, as evidenced by an impressive Flux Recovery Ratio (FRR) of 84.7 %, thereby enhancing its practical utility. These collective findings underscore the remarkable potential of combining Mg(OH)2 and rice husk silica as beneficial hybrid additives for membrane fabrication. The synergistic approach holds great promise for enhancing membrane properties and overcoming constraints associated with the individual application of each additive.

Membrane distillation (MD) has emerged as a highly promising method for the treatment of intricate and heavily contaminated water sources, such as those containing oily wastewater. The present study endeavors to advance the field by designing and evaluating a novel nanocomposite membrane comprised polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Bentonite (BNT) for application in vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) processes targeted at treating oily wastewater. A series of five nanocomposite flat sheet membranes were meticulously fabricated, incorporating varying quantities of bentonite (ranging from 0 to 0.8 g). Systematic characterizations were meticulously undertaken to comprehensively elucidate the influence of BNT incorporation on the structural and functional attributes of the developed membranes. These encompassed an array of analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), contact angle measurements (CA), as well as assessments of membrane thickness, porosity, pore size, and pore size distribution. The findings distinctly showcased the successful integration of BNT within the PVDF matrix, which correspondingly led to discernable augmentations in membrane surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and porosity. Employing consistent operational conditions involving a feed temperature of 50°C, a vacuum pressure of 30 kPa, and a NaCl solution with a concentration of 14.75 g/L, VMD experiments were systematically conducted. The empirical outcomes revealed that the incorporation of BNT notably conferred substantial enhancements upon the nanocomposite membrane's performance. The pinnacle achievement was evidenced in a flux rate of 34 L/m2.h and a remarkable NaCl rejection rate of 99.92%, a result achieved by the nanocomposite membrane incorporating the highest content of BNT additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofiltration membranes (NF) have been widely used in the field of water treatment because of their advantages of high separation precision, easy operation, and no phase change. Conventional NF membranes, ensnared by the "trade-off" effect, grapple with the challenge of achieving breakthroughs in both separation efficacy and stability. Recent advancements in research have unveiled the potential of nanoscale porous two-dimensional (2D) materials, characterized by their atomic thinness and superlative mechanical strength. These materials, crafted into nanofiltration membranes as thin as a single atom, boast minimal transport resistance and maximal permeation flux, thereby facilitating the highly discerning transport of water, and are heralded as the quintessential materials for fabricating ultra-thin membranes. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements in the research on 2D material NF membranes. A range of performance aspects related to 2D-material-modified NF membranes, including water flux, permeability, pollutant retention rates, and anti-pollution performance, were evaluated, and this review covers the impact of and major approaches to optimizing membrane performance in recent years, providing valuable insights into potential future developments in NF membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses escalating textile wastewater discharge by employing silane-functionalized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) to modify polyethersulfone (PES) membranes, resulting in innovative nanocomposites. ZnO NP integration into the PES matrix, ranging from 0 to 2 wt.%, was systematically varied and characterized using FTIR, EDX, pore size measurements, contact angles, and FESEM. The investigation confirms substantial influence of silane-functionalized ZnO NPs on PES membrane surface properties, manifesting in morphological changes, denser structures, and enhanced hydrophilicity, reducing contact angles from 67.5° to 47.9° for M0 and M4, respectively. Despite a twofold increase in mean pore size from 2.3 to 3.98 nm due to ZnO NP incorporation, separation capabilities of nanocomposite membranes remained unaffected. Porosity progressively improved with higher ZnO content. Optimally, 1.5 wt.% ZnO content notably increased pure water flux from 25 to 53 L/m2.h, while demonstrating robust antifouling properties and maintaining high separation rates. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-modified nanocomposite membranes for diverse dye-containing wastewater treatment, suggesting a viable solution in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane technologies play a pivotal role in various industrial sectors, including food processing. Membranes act as barriers, selectively allowing the passage of one or other types of species. The separation processes that involve them offer advantages such as continuity, energy efficiency, compactness of devices, operational simplicity, and minimal consumption of chemical reagents. The efficiency of membrane separation depends on various factors, such as morphology, composition, and process parameters. Fouling, a significant limitation in membrane processes, leads to a decline in performance over time. Anti-fouling strategies involve adjustments to process parameters or direct modifications to the membrane, aiming to enhance efficiency. Recent research has focused on mitigating fouling, particularly in the food industry, where complex organic streams pose challenges. Membrane processes address consumer demands for natural and healthy products, contributing to new formulations with antioxidant properties. These trends align with environmental concerns, emphasizing sustainable practices. Despite numerous works on membrane modification, a research gap exists, especially with regard to the application of modified membranes in the food industry. This review aims to systematize information on modified membranes, providing insights into their practical application. This comprehensive overview covers membrane modification methods, fouling mechanisms, and distinct applications in the food sector. This study highlights the potential of modified membranes for specific tasks in the food industry and encourages further research in this promising field.

The current work presented an in-depth investigation of the design and fabrication of thin film membranes for desalination applications by forward osmosis (FO). This includes manipulating the substrate membrane structure aiming to optimize the final thin film composite membrane characteristics. In this context, the MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) as a 2D material has been harnessed to impart novel desirable traits on the prepared membrane. MAX phase has been impregnated in two disparate concentrations and three different scenarios including the substrate membrane and the polyamide layer in both the aqueous and organic phases during the interfacial polymerization. Membranes were comprehensively characterized by a series of experimental tools and methodologies including Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Contact Angle, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, pore size and porosity. Results disclosed that substrate membrane structure has a pivotal impact on final TFC/TFN membrane performance. Besides, the MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) could significantly enhance the morphological characteristics of the membrane and ultimately the performance in terms of water flux and reverse salt flux based on the content and the way impregnated. The permeation properties of the composite membranes were significantly superior to the pure PES membrane and the mean pore size also increased with the addition amount of MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) increased.

One of the problems associated with conducting a membrane filtration process is the accumulation of undesirable material on the surface of membranes. The deposited layer can significantly increase the resistance of the membrane, which leads to a reduction of the process efficacy. In many cases, the service life of the membranes is also reduced. One type of contamination that can accumulate on the surface of membranes are biological species (i.e., microorganisms). The process is called biofouling and can lead to a biofilm formation, which constitutes an integral layer resistant or completely invulnerable to many commonly used cleaning techniques. Various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and algae, proliferate and colonize the available surface of the membranes. Adhesion to the surface is enabled by secreted components known as extracellular polymeric substances, thanks to which a biofilm is formed on the surface. In order to reduce the intensity of biofouling, the membranes are subjected to various modification techniques. One of the modification techniques is the addition of particles with antimicrobial and anti-biofouling properties to the polymer at the stage of membrane production. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) was used as an antimicrobial material, which was added, as a nanopowder, to a polysulfone solution. From the prepared membrane-forming solution, flat ultrafiltration membranes were produced using the wet phase inversion method. The secondary solvent was the ultrapure water. The aim of the conducted research was to produce membranes with anti-biofouling properties and to characterize them in terms of structural and process characteristics. Anti-biofouling properties were determined using microbiological techniques based on standard test methods, appropriately adapted to obtain a representative result for typical realistic working conditions of separation material. Typical Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria found in the aquatic environment were selected for the study. Scanning electron microscopy, porosimetry and contact angle analysis were used to determine the structural properties. While characterizing the process properties, the filtration coefficient and the permeate flux change during the filtration process on an aqueous solution of bovine serum albumin were determined. Ultrafiltration membranes with pores 0.05-0.07 |im and permeability of 170 dm³/m²/h-bar have been obtained. Membranes have antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyes disposal in water has become a global concern due to its toxicity to humans and the aquatic ecosystem. Membrane separation processes can be an option to deal with this environmental issue. In this study, graphene oxide was functionalized with tannic acid (TA-GO) to coat the surface of a microfiltration membrane (MFTA-GO). The ATR-FTIR, SEM, and WCA techniques confirmed that the membrane surface was successfully modified. MFTA-GO obtained excellent removal rates for the twilight yellow and safranine orange dyes, maintaining the water flux recovery at high levels (> 66%). These results were superior to those obtained by the pure membrane and the membrane modified solely with GO. They can be attributed to the higher compatibility of TA-GO with the membrane surface. In addition, MFTA-GO may be reused in consecutive cycles, demonstrating an operational advantage. The proposed process can be an alternative to improve the characteristics of microfiltration membranes used for dye removal from contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumed silica (SiO2) is often applied in the modification of thin‐film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membranes due to its hydrophilicity. However, a key challenge to be solved is to improve its compatibility with organic matrices and dispersion in the material. In this study, we synthesized well‐designed nanoparticles of (3‐aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane‐modified SiO2 (APTMS‐SiO2) and applied them for the first time in the preparation of FO membranes. Furthermore, we systematically investigated the effects of different pretreated SiO2, SiO2 dosages, draw solution types, and concentrations on FO membranes. The results showed that APTMS‐SiO2 thin‐film nanocomposite with a silica dosage of 0.1 wt.% has the highest water permeate flux (Jw) (26.25 LMH, 370.43 % higher than the control TFC of 5.58 LMH) and the minimum specific reverse solute flux (SRSF) of 0.17 g/L with 1 M NaCl as the draw. The incorporation of APTMS effectively prevented mutual agglomeration of SiO2 and improved its dispersion. The Jw of 13.36 LMH after seven cycles and the rejection of above 96.6 % for Congo Red and 95.8 % for Rhodamine B indicated potential reusability and dye rejection. This work presents an alternative approach to prepare FO membranes with enhanced water flux and increased selectivity, and it also offers insights for the treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater using FO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) porous membrane, it is a simple and effective method to physically blend PVDF casting solution with additives. The research progress of PVDF porous membranes modified by physical blending with different additives in recent years is reviewed. The common types of additives are summarized, including inorganic additives such as silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene oxide (GO), etc., and organic additives such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), amphiphilic polymers, etc. It is pointed out that in the future, it is necessary to strengthen the research on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the physical blending of additives and PVDF, optimize the preparation process of physical blending modification, and improve the binding force between additives and membrane matrix, so as to prepare PVDF modified membranes with high stability and excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most pressing challenges confronting modern civilization is the lack of enough clean water supplies. Membrane technology has emerged as a key technology for water treatment, including fresh water, salt water, and municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, owing to its energy savings, high performance efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, membrane fouling, resulting from a non-specific interaction between the membrane surface and fouling agents, significantly hinders the efficient utilization of membrane technology. The fabrication of antifouling membranes is a fundamental approach to dealing with fouling issues caused by various types of fouling agents. Significant progress has been made in membrane preparation techniques and modification strategies, notably in microfiltration membranes, in recent years. While outlining the key strategies for modifying antifouling microfiltration membranes, the present review highlights recent achievements in the mentioned field, which provides more details related to the fabrication and preparation techniques and enhances performance parameters of these membranes. Microfiltration nanocomposite membranes modified by blending method can be considered an emerging technology capable of converting laboratory/pilot scale to a reliable commercial technology due to their high performance efficiency and good antifouling properties among all modification methods covered in this study. While using modification techniques (blending, surface modification, interfacial polymerization, sol-gel, and electrospinning) to better manage fouling in microfiltration membranes has certain benefits in terms of boosting performance, it also has drawbacks. Therefore, further optimization of modifying methods with the aim of commercializing modified microfiltration membranes is essential.

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of modification of polymeric polyacrylonitrile and polyetherimide membranes with a polymeric additive, namely polyvinylpyrrolidone, on membrane performance in a submerged membrane bioreactor under different operating conditions. For this purpose, the membrane filtrations were performed with raw and modified membranes after the activated sludge was acclimated in the submerged membrane bioreactor to two different sludge retention times and two different organic loading rates. While the performance of all membranes increases with an increase in sludge retention times, the increase in organic loading rates decreases soluble microbial products. The modification with polyvinylpyrrolidone provides higher total permeate volumes with the higher rejection of soluble microbial product fractions, especially in polyacrylonitrile membranes. The rejections of carbohydrate fraction of soluble microbial products increase by the modification of both membranes with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Membrane fouling is determined to be inversely proportional to the membrane pore size. Scanning electron microscope analyses confirm that membrane fouling increased at low sludge retention time and high organic loading rate. The carbohydrates and proteins are approved as the main foulants on the membrane surface with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. As a result, modification of polyacrylonitrile polymer with polyvinylpyrrolidone is determined as an appropriate approach in order to increase treatment efficiency and improve membrane lifetime in submerged membrane bioreactor operated at high sludge retention time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]