Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration system comprising at least one permeable membrane, preferably a hollow fibre membrane, the method comprising the step of applying a pressurised gas at a variable pressure to permeate remaining present in the system when filtration process is stopped or suspended to provide liquid for backwashing pores of the permeable membrane during a backwashing process. Also provided are methods of filtering solids from a liquid suspension using alternating liquid backwash pressures.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a permeable, hollow membrane (6) in an arrangement of the type wherein a pressure differential is applied across the wall of the permeable, hollow membrane (6) immersed in a liquid suspension provided in a vessel (5), said liquid suspension being applied to the outer surface of the permeable hollow membrane (6) to induce and sustain filtration through the membrane wall. The method of cleaning comprising the steps of: suspending the filtration process; while continuing to supply the liquid suspension to the vessel (5); aerating the membrane (6) by flowing gas into the vessel (5) to produce a flow of gas bubbles around the membrane (6) to dislodge at least some of the retained particulate material from the membrane surface; removing liquid containing dislodged particulate material from the vessel (5) during the aerating step and recommencing the filtration process.

Abstract: Methods for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically suitable carrier or diluent and as an active agent a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are also provided.

Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration system comprising at least one permeable hollow membrane, the method comprising the step of applying a low-pressure gas to the permeate remaining present in the system when the filtration process is stopped or suspended to provide liquid for backwashing the pores of the membrane during a backwashing process.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a porous polymeric membrane having a feed side and a permeate side including the steps of introducing a fluid containing a cleaning agent to the permeate side of a membrane allowing the cleaning agent to contact the permeate side of the membrane for a predetermined time, and contact the pores of the membrane, or introducing a fluid containing a cleaning agent to the feed side of a membrane; applying a transmembrane pressure to force the fluid containing the cleaning agent from the feed side to the permeate side of the membrane; allowing the cleaning agent to contact the permeate side of the membrane for a predetermined time, and contact the pores of the membrane. Preferably a concentration gradient between the feed side fluid and the lumen side fluid containing the cleaning agent causes cleaning agent to diffuse into the feed side fluid. Pressure may be applied to the fluid containing a cleaning agent to dislodge, where present, dissolved and undissolved solid from the membrane pores.

Abstract: A method of filtering solids from a liquid suspension comprising providing a pressure differential across the walls of permeable, hollow membranes (5) immersed in the liquid suspension contained in a vessel (8), the liquid suspension being applied to the outer surface of the porous hollow membrane (5) to induce and sustain filtration through the membrane walls. Some of the liquid suspension passes through the walls of the membranes (5) to be drawn off as permeate from the hollow membrane lumens, and at least some of the solids are retained on or in the hollow membranes or otherwise as suspended solids within the liquid surrounding the membranes (5).

Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration module (4), said module (4) including one or more membranes (5) located in a feed-containing vessel (3), the membranes (5) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall, the method including: removing liquid from the feed-containing vessel (3) until the level of liquid in the feed-containing vessel (3) falls to a first level (L2) below an upper level of the membranes; suspending the filtration operation; performing a liquid backwash of the membrane wall until liquid level within the feed-containing vessel (3) rises to a second predetermined level (L1) above said first level; aerating the membrane surface with gas bubbles to dislodge fouling materials therefrom; performing a sweep or drain down of the feed-containing vessel (3) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter

Abstract: A method and apparatus for backwashing a membrane filtration system wherein permeate remaining present in the filtration system wherein permeate remaining present in the filtration system when the filtration process is stopped or suspended is used to provide liquid for backwashing the membrane pores during a backwashing process.

Abstract: Methods for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically suitable carrier or diluent and as an active agent a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically suitable carrier or diluent and as an active agent a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically suitable carrier or diluent and as an active agent a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are also provided.