Protein Adsorption Performance of a Novel Functionalized Cellulose-Based Polymer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Cellulose modification is crucial for developing advanced materials.
• Protein adsorption is a key process in bioseparation and purification.
• Developing efficient and reusable adsorbents is essential for sustainable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize dicarboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) for protein adsorption.
• To investigate the charge-dependent protein adsorption properties of DCMC.
• To evaluate the adsorption capacity, kinetics, and reusability of DCMC.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Dicarboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC).
• Characterization using ICP-AES, ATR-FTIR, and ssNMR.
• Protein adsorption experiments with cytochrome C and lysozyme.
• Analysis of adsorption isotherms (Langmuir) and kinetics (pseudo second-order).

Main Results:

• DCMC synthesis and functionalization were confirmed.
• Protein adsorption onto DCMC is charge-dependent, favoring positively charged proteins.
• High adsorption capacities were achieved: 851 mg g⁻¹ for cytochrome C and 571 mg g⁻¹ for lysozyme.
• Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second-order kinetics, reaching equilibrium within 90 minutes.
• DCMC demonstrated excellent reusability over five cycles with 98-99% removal efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Dicarboxymethyl cellulose is a highly effective adsorbent for positively charged proteins.
• The material exhibits favorable adsorption characteristics, including high capacity and rapid kinetics.
• DCMC's reusability makes it a promising candidate for sustainable protein purification technologies.