Membrane separation in flow injection systems

A critical review of membranes for on-line separations in flow-through dialysers is given. Historical perspectives are briefly outlined. The fundamental aspects of dialysis as the selective separation of species through a semi-permeable membrane are discussed. Work done on theoretical principles by a number of authors is described and a simplified model is given. The basic components, locations thereof and the influence of various parameters on dialysis efficiency are highlighted. The value of dialysis as sampling preparation system for chromatography and reactor systems is outlined and the suitability of dialyser/flow injection systems in dilution, preconcentration and multicomponent analysis is evaluated. The review is concluded with a brief look at the use of dialysis in proteinligand binding studies and microdialysis.