Integration of reaction and separation in manufacturing of pharmaceuticals: Membrane-mediated production of S-Ibuprofen

The integration of the reaction and separation in a multifunctional reactor unit for the enantioselective production of S-ibuprofen is studied, both e xperimentally and by kinetic modeling. The ultrafiltration by a commerciall y available polyacrylonitril membrane is used for the in-situ removal of th e product. The application of the on-line ultrafiltration leads to a twofol d increase in the overall productivity, that is due to the decrease of the deactivation and inhibition of the enzyme caused by the product. After init ial decrease, probably caused by the fouling the fluxes through the membran e remain stable for a long period of time. The concept presents a promising option for other systems with conversion limited by the inhibitory effect of the products. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.