Question

Membrane-based bio separation methods rely on the principle of

• A. Centrifugation
• B. Filtration
• C. Precipitation
• D. Sedimentation

Hint:

• Membrane separation processes use a semi-permeable membrane as a selective barrier.
• The underlying mechanism is a form of filtration, where separation occurs based on size exclusion or other properties at the membrane interface.
• Different types (MF, UF, NF, RO) target different size ranges of particles/molecules.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Membrane-based bio separation methods fundamentally rely on the principle of filtration. These methods utilize a selective barrier, or membrane, that allows certain particles, molecules, or ions to pass through while retaining others. The separation process in biotechnology applications often involves:

• Size-based separation: Membranes can filter molecules based on size, allowing smaller particles to pass through while larger particles are retained.
• Charge-based separation: Membranes can be designed to separate components based on charge, facilitating the separation of ionic substances from organic molecules.
• Density-based separation: In combination with other methods, membranes can help separate substances with different densities.

Filtration as a separation method is critical in various biotechnological applications, including the purification of proteins, separation of cells, and sterilization of liquids. The other options listed such as centrifugation, precipitation, and sedimentation refer to different principles and techniques not primarily dependent on a membrane-based approach.