Hollow Fiber Liquid-Liquid Extraction Module for Continuous Recovery of Penicillin from Fermentation Broth

Abstract

The recovery of penicillin from fermentation broth is a critical downstream processing step in pharmaceutical manufacturing, requiring efficient separation technologies capable of maintaining product stability and high recovery efficiency. The present study investigates the application of a hollow fiber liquid–liquid extraction module for continuous recovery of penicillin from fermentation broth under controlled operating conditions. The research focuses on evaluating extraction efficiency, mass transfer performance, solvent utilization, and operational stability associated with hollow fiber membrane extraction systems. Experimental analysis was conducted to examine the influence of feed flow rate, solvent composition, pH, temperature, membrane characteristics, and phase contact conditions on penicillin transport and separation efficiency. Results demonstrate that the hollow fiber extraction module effectively enhances penicillin recovery through selective liquid–liquid mass transfer across the membrane interface while minimizing emulsion formation and product degradation. The study further reveals that optimized pH conditions and solvent selection significantly improve penicillin partitioning and extraction kinetics, resulting in enhanced recovery yield and product purity. Increased membrane surface area and controlled flow dynamics contributed to stable continuous operation and improved mass transfer efficiency. Comparative assessment with conventional batch solvent extraction methods confirms the advantages of hollow fiber extraction systems, including lower solvent consumption, continuous processing capability, improved operational safety, and reduced product loss. In addition, the membrane-based process demonstrated potential for scalable pharmaceutical manufacturing applications with enhanced process integration and reduced environmental impact.