Novel Nonporous Fouling-Resistant Enzymatic Composite Membranes for Waste Water Treatment

Abstract

A new series of crosslinked hydrophilic polymer gels based on poly(ethylene oxide) was prepared. These membrane materials showed high water uptake and excellent resistance to bovine serum albumin (BSA) fouling. By controlling the crosslink density of the polymer gels, we were able to manipulate water uptake over a very broad range, from less than 100% to more than 500%, which provides a large window for tuning the permeation and rejection capabilities of these materials. Permeation properties of thin-films made of these gels is also reported. Approximately 20 m2 of chitosan composite membrane were prepared at our industrial partner, Membrane Technology and Research (MTR). Some samples from this membrane were modified to incorporate the following enzymes into the chitosan thin-film: (i) pronase, (ii) chymotrypsin, and (iii) lipase. The permeation properties of the enzyme-modified composite membranes were tested with an aqueous solution containing either a protein (BSA) or a fatty acid (trilaurin).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2005
Accession Number
ADA436579

Entities

People

  • Benny D. Freeman

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Albumins
  • Alkenes
  • Aqueous Solutions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Composite Materials
  • Ethylene Oxide
  • Ethylenes
  • Fatty Acids
  • Films
  • Hydrophilic Properties
  • Materials
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers
  • Thick Films
  • Thin Films
  • Water Purification

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.