Aroma recovery by organophilic pervaporation

Membranes are semipermeable barriers that permit the separation of two compartments of different composition or even condition, with the transport of components from one compartment to another being controlled by the membrane barrier. Ideally, this barrier is designed to let pass selectively only certain target compounds, while retaining all others-hence the denotation semipermeable. Membrane separations are particularly suitable for food applications because (1) they do not require any extraction aids such as solvents, which avoids secondary contamination and, hence, the necessity for subsequent purification; (2) transfer of components from one matrix to another is possible without direct contact and the risk of cross-contamination; (3) membrane processes can, in general, be operated under smooth conditions and therefore maintaining in principle the properties and quality of delicate foodstuff.