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Chitosan-Based Biocomposite Hydrogels with Squid Pen Protein for Anionic Dyes Adsorption
Pedro Y S Nakasu1, Maite A Martinez1, Susiana Melanie1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, U.K.
ACS Materials Letters
|March 7, 2025
Summary
Squid pen protein and chitosan hydrogels effectively remove synthetic dyes from wastewater. This sustainable method offers high adsorption capacities for reactive blue 4 and methyl orange, presenting a cost-effective solution.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing environmental concerns necessitate sustainable wastewater treatment methods.
- Persistent synthetic dyes pose a significant challenge in industrial effluent.
- Biodegradable polymers offer potential for eco-friendly dye removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of squid pen protein (SPP) and chitosan hydrogels for anionic dye adsorption.
- To determine the optimal hydrogel composition and adsorption conditions.
- To elucidate the adsorption mechanism and characterize the hydrogel-chitosan matrix.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of SPP/chitosan hydrogels.
- Batch adsorption experiments for reactive blue 4 (RB4) and methyl orange (MO).
- Adsorption isotherm (Langmuir) and kinetic (pseudo-second-order) modeling.
- Analysis using FT-IR, SEM, and XPS.
Main Results:
- A 50%/50% SPP/chitosan hydrogel exhibited optimal performance.
- High adsorption capacities were achieved: 151.52 mg/g for RB4 and 54.94 mg/g for MO.
- Optimal conditions for RB4 adsorption included 65 °C, pH 7, and 0.2 wt % adsorbent.
- XPS confirmed chemisorption via nucleophilic attack between dye and hydrogel.
Conclusions:
- SPP/chitosan hydrogels are effective and sustainable adsorbents for synthetic dyes.
- The study demonstrates a cost-effective approach to wastewater treatment.
- This bio-based material offers a promising alternative for dye removal applications.
