ABSTRACT
Membrane emulsification and membrane nanoprecipitation are contactor devices that permit the design and tuning of micro/nano particles (emulsions, solid lipid, and polymeric particles). In these processes, porous membranes made of hydrophilic or hydrophobic materials are needed to formulate oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, respectively. The membrane emulsification method compared to the traditional emulsification technique offers more precise control of particle size and particle size distribution using mild operation conditions. This chapter presents an overview of membrane emulsification and membrane nanoprecipitation principles and mechanisms. The main process and phases parameters, as well as membrane properties for the membrane emulsification and membrane nanoprecipitation are highlighted. The membranes used in membrane emulsification and membrane nanoprecipitation and the related formulations produced are also summarized.
