Synthesis of chitosan-functionalized fibrous membrane for immobilization of horseradish peroxidase: Interfacial property and application for catalytic oxidation of p-nitrophenol

Abstract

A hydrophilic fibrous membrane is provided which comprises a network of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer and an in situ crosslinked hydrophilic chitosan polymer. This chitosan-functionalized membrane can be employed as a support for immobilization of horseradish peroxidases (HRPs). The immobilized HRPs (mass loading ~110 mg /g) show high stabilities over a wide pH range of 4~10 and temperature range of 25~60oC. In addition, the immobilized HRPs can function as a recyclable biocatalyst for catalytic oxidation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). After 10 cycles, the PNP removal efficiency still retains ~70%. The results reveal that the chitosan-functionalized fibrous membrane is a promising support for immobilization of enzymes and has applications in relation to enzyme catalysis.