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Poly(acrylonitrile)chitosan composite membranes for urease immobilization
Katya Gabrovska1, Aneliya Georgieva, Tzonka Godjevargova
1University Prof Dr A Zlatarov, Department of Biotechnology, Bourgas, Bulgaria.
Journal of Biotechnology
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Poly(acrylonitrile)/chitosan composite membranes offer enhanced hydrophilicity and reduced pore size for enzyme immobilization. These (PANCHI) membranes show high urease activity, demonstrating their suitability for biocatalytic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Composite membranes are crucial for separation and immobilization processes.
- Poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) membranes have limitations in hydrophilicity and pore size control.
- Chitosan offers biocompatibility and functional groups for modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize poly(acrylonitrile)/chitosan (PANCHI) composite membranes.
- To investigate the effect of chitosan coating on membrane properties.
- To evaluate the suitability of PANCHI membranes for enzyme immobilization.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PANCHI composite membranes via chitosan deposition.
- Characterization of membrane pore structure using TEM and SEM.
- Covalent immobilization of urease onto membranes using glutaraldehyde.
- Determination of enzyme activity and stability.
Main Results:
- Chitosan coating reduced pore size from 7 microm (PAN) to 5 microm (0.25% chitosan) and 4 microm (0.35% chitosan).
- Hydrophilicity and functional groups of PAN membranes were significantly increased.
- The highest urease activity (94%) was achieved with PANCHI2 membranes (0.25% chitosan).
- Immobilized urease exhibited favorable pH and temperature stability profiles.
Conclusions:
- PANCHI composite membranes exhibit tunable pore sizes and enhanced hydrophilicity.
- These membranes are effective supports for covalent enzyme immobilization.
- PANCHI membranes demonstrate significant potential for applications in biocatalysis and enzyme technology.
