Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes

Angelo Basile is a Full Professor and a leading authority in membrane science and technology. Since 2014, he has served as Full Professor in Systems, Methods and Technologies of Chemical Engineering Processes at CNR-ITM in Rende, Italy. His work covers hydrogen purification and production using membrane reactors, CO₂ capture, process intensification, and the treatment of industrial effluents with advanced membrane operations. Basile has edited many scientific books and authored numerous book chapters, bridging complex research with clear knowledge for engineers and scientists. Motivated by the role of AI/ML in accelerating membrane process design and automation, he supports integrating data-driven methods for smart plants and reaction–separation optimisation. Alfredo Cassano has worked as a Researcher at CNR-ITM in Italy since 2000. Trained in Biology, he specializes in membrane science and technology, including conventional membrane processes, membrane contactors, and integrated membrane operations used for wastewater treatment and agro-food applications. He has led or directed research through numerous national MIUR-funded projects, as well as European Union international projects and industry collaborations. Cassano contributes to the scientific community through editorial-board roles and has co-authored several books, numerous journal articles, and chapters, alongside conference and invited work, and two national patents. His interests include recovering bioactive compounds from by-products, membrane distillation, osmotic distillation, and wastewater remediation, motivated by bridging membrane technology with practical AI/ML and real-time monitoring to advance circular economy resource recovery. Performed pioneering R&D work on various research aspects such as high pressure processing, forward osmosis, infusion of bioactive compounds, downstream processing of enzymes and proteins, modeling of synthesis of PHA, graphene nano-composite, designer oils, biofilms from chitosan, ultrasound and ozone for the preservation of fruit juices. All these efforts resulted in the culmination of more than 150 original research publication in reputed international journals and more than 100 presentations in various conferences. The quality of work evidenced from the higher total citations (6118 Nos) and h-index (43). Developed technology for five products namely, virgin coconut oil, spray dried coconut milk, honey based fruit spread, coconut beverage from tender coconut and coconut spread and transferred to several industries; as well as obtained 17 patents to his credit. Guided 10 Ph.D. students in the area of Food Science, Engineering, Technology, and Biotechnology; as well as in Biological and Engineering Sciences. Served on the panels of highly reputed journals as an Editor/Member of Editorial Board published by Elsevier, Wiley, Cosmos Scholars, Jakraya, Hindawi and Omics. Besides, two books entitled “Advances in membrane technologies for water treatment: Materials, processes and applications” (Woodhead Publishing Ltd., UK.) and “Application of high pressure in food processing” (Springer, USA) were co-edited/written. Research accomplishments were also recently recognized by the scientific bodies and award prestigious awards like the CSIR-Young Scientist Award; AFST-Young Scientist Award; AFST-Laljee Godhoo Nidhi Smarak Award; Fellow of AFST and NAAS; Seligman APV Fellowship by the SCI, London; DAAD Fellowship; DBT Overseas Fellowship; Merit promotion; CFTRI Technology Award. Several awards were also received him for the scientific presentations.

• PART I (Forward osmosis)1. Forward osmosis: Principles, applications, and recent developments2. Forward osmosis membrane and impact of spacer3. Draw solutes for Forward osmosis: Model, polymer hydrogels and nanoparticles4. Membrane fouling & hybrid forward osmosis process5. Modelling of FO Processes including Computational fluid dynamics model6. Design of forward osmosis system7. Forward osmosis for desalination and mining waste water8. Applications of forward osmosis process in food processing and future implicationsPART II (Reverse osmosis) 9. Fundamentals and Basics of Reverse Osmosis10. Membranes and Spacers for Reverse Osmosis11. Reverse Osmosis pre-treatment techniques, fouling and control strategies12. Reverse Osmosis modelling, simulation and optimization13. Reverse Osmosis System Design14. Reverse osmosis in integrated membrane systems15. Reverse osmosis for industrial water treatment16. Reverse osmosis applications in food processing Conclusion: Cost analysis of FO and RO in a case study