Rapid removal of lactose for low-lactose milk by ceramic membranes

•Ceramic microfiltration membranes were used to remove lactose from skim milk.•The membranes achieved 99% rejection of protein with 100% permeation of lactose.•The membranes showed high permeation performance.•Low-lactose milk with a lactose concentration of less than 5 g L−1 have been prepared.•A mathematical diafiltration model was developed to optimize the diafiltration process.