Question

Which of these is a disadvantage of membrane reactors?

(a) Membranes need to be replaced at regular intervals

(b) These may be used in either batch or continuous mode

(c) These reactors allow easy removal of enzyme from the product

(d) These reactors avoid the costs and problems associated with other methods of immobilization

I got this question in an internship interview.

This intriguing question originated from Immobilized Enzymes in chapter Immobilized Enzymes and their Uses of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Membranes need to be replaced at regular intervals

Explanation: Advantages of membrane reactors are as follows:

* These may be used in either batch or continuous mode.

* These reactors allow easy removal of enzyme from the product.

* These reactors avoid the costs and problems associated with other methods of immobilization.

Membrane reactor system may be established. Hence, they may be used for production of enzymes on small scale, especially where multienzyme pathway is involved or regeneration of co-enzyme is needed.  The cost of the membranes and their replacement at regular intervals are the major disadvantages of membrane reactor.