Characterizations of newly developed bacterial cellulose-chitosan nanocomposite membrane grafted with pyrroline

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a new type of sustainable membrane with promising characteristics. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) concept is implemented towards living radical polymerization on the bacterial cellulose membrane that has been integrated with chitosan composite layer and modified with polyethylene glycol as the porogen. C1titosan molecules have both amino and hydroxyl groups that can be used to couple with ligands under mild conditions besides being a good flocculants agent. In order to develop a membrane with good mechanical and chemical properties, this study proposed the surfaces of bacterial cellulose-chitosan (BCC) nanocomposite membrane to be grafted with pyrroline, This polymer will act as 'tentacles' that enhances the affinity of the grafted BCC, which combines the advantages of MJP, cellulose, chitosan and unique pyrroline properties. Both cellulose and chitosan are biodegradable, natural materials and very abundant on earth while pyrroline structure can be modified into its chromophores for many applications. It is expected that this combination produces a sustainable, promising and multipurpose membrane. These characteristics can make the newly developed composite membrane a versatile, low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative.