This paper describes the enzymatic hydrolysis of haemoglobin in a continuou
s membrane bioreactor which was equipped with either a microfiltration memb
rane (Carbosep M14) with an average pore diameter of 0.14 mu m or an ultraf
iltration membrane (Carbosep M5) with 10 kDa molecular weight cut-off. Thes
e membranes gave similar performances indicating that the virgin porosity w
as modified by adsorption of proteins and enzymes, and by the formation of
a dynamic membrane on the mineral membranes. Practically both membranes pre
sented identical optimum parameters corresponding to an average transmembra
ne pressure of 1.25 bars and a tangential velocity of 0.7 m s(-1). A simple
theoretical kinetic model based on the Michaelis-Menten relation and the s
ubstrate mass balance was successfully used for the enzymatic hydrolysis of
the haemoglobin in a continuous membrane bioreactor. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci
ence S.A. All rights reserved.