ABSTRACT
Objective: To optimize the pretreatment on the water extract of Chinese materia medica (CMM) before membrane separation. Methods: Using the comprehensive simulation system of four common polymers and index components existed in the water extract of CMM (berberine and geniposide) as the research object, the solution environment was adjusted by different pretreatments. The flux of microfiltration, transmittance of the ingredients, and removal rate of common polymers were selected as indicators to study the effects of different solution environments. Results: It was found that adjusting pH could change the permeation flux obviously, and the removal rate of common polymers was comparatively higher. The transmittance of index components was higher when the pH value and ionic strength were adjusted (adding 0.05 mol/L NaCl). The membrane blocking resistance was the major factor in membrane fouling. Conclusion: Based on the above indicators, the effect of pretreatment is comparatively significant when the ionic strength and pH value are adjusted (pH 6.5 and adding 0.05 mol/L NaCl). It provides a valuable reference for the pretreatment of the water extract of CMM before membrane separation.