An enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) is assembled for the immobilization of naringinase on a polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane, based on fouling-induced method. The effects of molecular weight cut-off, membrane configuration, applied pressure, enzyme concentration and pH are studied in terms of permeate rate, immobilization efficiency, and biocatalytic conversion. The 10 kDa membrane operating in reverse mode, 0.2 MPa, 0.3 gL−1 of enzyme in acetate buffer at pH 5 and cross-linking with 0.25% glutaraldehyde showed the highest naringin conversion (73%). It was determined that the intermediate pore blocking model was the predominant fouling mechanism for the enzymatic immobilization. The EMR was applied for debittering of grapefruit juice, achieving a conversion of naringin below bitterness threshold and maintaining the antioxidant capacity of the juice. Furthermore, the biocatalytic activity of immobilized enzyme was retained at a high level at least during three consecutive reaction runs, with overnight storage at 4 °C after each run.
