title: Protein adsorption through Chitosan-Alginate membranes for potential applications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chitosan and Alginate were used as biopolymers to prepare membranes for protein adsorption. The network requires a cross-linker able to form bridges between polymeric chains. Viscopearl-mini(®) (VM) was used as a support to synthesize them. Six different types of membranes were prepared using the main compounds of the matrix: VM, Chitosan of low and medium molecular weight, and Alginate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experiments were carried out to analyze the interactions within the matrix and improvements were found against porous cellulose beads. SEM characterization showed dispersion in the compounds. According to TGA, thermal behaviour remains similar for all compounds. Mechanical tests demonstrate the modulus of the composites increases for all samples, with major impact on materials containing VM. The adsorption capacity results showed that with the removal of globular protein, as the adsorbed amount increased, the adsorption percentage of Myoglobin from Horse Heart (MHH) decreased. Molecular electrostatic potential studies of Chitosan-Alginate have been performed by density functional theory (DFT) and ONIOM calculations (Our own N-layered integrated molecular orbital and molecular mechanics) which model large molecules by defining two or three layers within the structure that are treated at different levels of accuracy, at B3LYP/6-31G(d) and PM6/6-31G(d) level of theory, using PCM (polarizable continuum model) solvation model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Finally, Viscopearl-mini(®) acts as a suitable support on the matrix for the synthesis of Chitosan-Alginate membranes instead of cross-linkers usage. Therefore, it suggests that it is a promise material for potential applications, such as: biomedical, wastewater treatment, among others.Graphical abstractChitosan, Alginate, and Cellulose beads-based membranes for protein adsorption. Special attention was given for preparation, charaterization, adsorption capacity, and molecular electrostatic potential studies calculation. Viscopearl-mini(®) gives support on the matrix of Chitosan-Alginate membranes instead of cross-linkers usage.
authors.affiliation: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur 2501, Tecnológico, 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico.
authors.forename: Dennise A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Murguía-Flores
authors.affiliation: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur 2501, Tecnológico, 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico.
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bonilla-Ríos
authors.affiliation: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur 2501, Tecnológico, 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico.
authors.forename: Martha R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Canales-Fiscal
authors.affiliation: Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur 2501, Tecnológico, 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Fernández
keywords: Adsorption; Cellulose beads; Filtration; Membrane; Sodium alginate; ​Chitosan