Progress on membrane technology for separating bioactive peptides

Bioactive peptide (BP) is short sequence of amino acids, which can play different biological activities depending on its structural characteristics and amino acid sequence. As health promoters, bioactive peptides (BPs) have attracted more and more attention in recent years. Separation and purification methods of BPs such as pressure-driven and electrically-driven membrane processes were reviewed in this paper. Especially, cell configuration and application of electrodialysis with filtration membrane (EDFM), a new emerging electro-driven membrane technology, in separating anionic and cationic BPs were introduced in detail. It is difficult to separate and purify BPs due to their excellent water solubility as well as uncertain composition and structure. Thus, further development in efficient and economical technologies for the separation and purification of BPs is urgent to improve human health.