Novel affinity membranes with macrocyclic spacer arms synthesized via click chemistry for lysozyme binding

Molecularly Imprinted Affinity Membrane: A Review

A molecularly imprinted affinity membrane (MIAM) can perform separation with high selectivity due to its unique molecular recognition introduced from the molecular-printing technique. In this way, a MIAM is able to separate a specific or targeted molecule from a mixture. In addition, it is possible to achieve high selectivity while maintaining membrane permeability. Various methods have been developed to produce a MIAM with high selectivity and productivity, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In this paper, the MIAM is reviewed comprehensively, from the fundamentals of the affinity membrane to its applications. First, the development of a MIAM and various preparation methods are presented. Then, applications of MIAMs in sensor, metal ion separation, and organic compound separation are discussed. The last part of the review discusses the outlook of MIAMs for future development.

Recent Developments of Liquid Chromatography Stationary Phases for Compound Separation: From Proteins to Small Organic Compounds

Compound separation plays a key role in producing and analyzing chemical compounds. Various methods are offered to obtain high-quality separation results. Liquid chromatography is one of the most common tools used in compound separation across length scales, from larger biomacromolecules to smaller organic compounds. Liquid chromatography also allows ease of modification, the ability to combine compatible mobile and stationary phases, the ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the ability to concentrate samples. Notably, the main feature of a liquid chromatography setup is the stationary phase. The stationary phase directly interacts with the samples via various basic mode of interactions based on affinity, size, and electrostatic interactions. Different interactions between compounds and the stationary phase will eventually result in compound separation. Recent years have witnessed the development of stationary phases to increase binding selectivity, tunability, and reusability. To demonstrate the use of liquid chromatography across length scales of target molecules, this review discusses the recent development of stationary phases for separating macromolecule proteins and small organic compounds, such as small chiral molecules and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Strong and weak cation-exchange groups generated cryogels films for adsorption and purification of lysozyme from chicken egg white

Here, the macroporous poly(hydroxylmethyl methacrylate/glycidyl methacrylate [p(HEMA-GMA)] cryogels with large porous surface were prepared, and then the epoxy groups of the p(HEMA-GMA) cryogels were systematically modified into strong and weak cationic groups. The effects of initial protein concentrations, adsorption time, pH, salt concentrations and temperatures on adsorption efficiency of cation exchange cryogels for lysozyme were determined. The maximum lysozyme adsorption capacities of strong and weak cation exchange cryogels were found to be 188.3 and 79.7 mg/g cryogel at 25 °C, respectively. The performance of the strong cationic cryogel was evaluated by purification of lysozyme from egg white. The activity of the isolated lysozyme was found to be 21,347 U/mg. The cationic cryogel maintained its expected high adsorption capacity and efficiency of the purification levels during repeated adsorption desorption processes. Finally, the purpose of this work is the design a cation exchange system for purification of lysozyme from egg-white.

Modification of Supramolecular Membranes with 3D Hydrophilic Slide-Rings for the Improvement of Antifouling Properties and Effective Separation

A three-dimensional (3D) strategy for the fabrication of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL) membranes with a dynamic surface was developed based on sliding supramolecular polymer brushes (SSPBs). The SSPBs with a 3D hydrophilic structure were introduced into the alkyne-EVAL membrane matrix via an azide-alkyne click coupling reaction. The self-mobile hydrophilic slide-rings in the SSPB provided a proactive exclusion system. This resulted in reduced direct contact of the membrane surface with multiple pollutants such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and oil droplets. The EVAL-SSPB membrane demonstrated increased surface hydrophilicity, underwater oleophobicity, and antifouling properties. More importantly, the abundant hydrophilic rings in the membrane matrix result in supramolecular assembly and efficient hydrophilic sliding channels. This resulted in a dramatic increase in the water flux [2000 L/(m² h)] while retaining a 96% rejection of BSA and oil/water emulsions. The results of the study indicate that three effects of the cyclodextrins rings, i.e., the hydrophilic effect, the exclusion effect, and the sliding effect, enabled the improved membrane performance. The demonstrated 3D fabrication strategy is versatile, facile, and scalable, which allows for its application to various other membranes. The fabricated materials possess excellent permeability and separation efficiencies, which make them attractive candidates for use as separation membranes with novel functions.

Preparation of a balsa-lysozyme eco-friendly dressing and its effect on wound healing

This study aims to prepare an eco-friendly dressing using a balsa derived membrane with lysozyme included for anti-bacterial purposes. The balsa-lysozyme was prepared using delignification (control) and dopamine (group A) methods for mussel-inspired adhesion of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg ml-1 lysozyme (groups B, C, D and E). Fourier infrared spectra and the contact angle test showed that lysozyme adhered to the membrane. With increasing concentration of lysozyme, the drug-loading rate of balsa-lysozyme increased and the encapsulation efficiency decreased (P < 0.05). The cumulative release percentages after 72 h were 80.7%, 90.6%, 91.4%and 92.3% in groups B, C, D and E, respectively. There was a significant in vitro antibacterial effect against both E. coli and S. aureus. The cytotoxicity of the wood dressing was not detected until day 7. On day 7, the healing rates were 30.7%, 38.3%, 50.7%, 61.2%, 61.9% and 62.4% for the control, A, B, C, D and E group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the lengths of the new epithelium were 631.7 μm, 702.5 μm, 759.4 μm, 825.3 μm, 831.7 μm and 836.6 μm for the control group, A, B, C, and D, E respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PCNA and CD31 expression indicated enhanced cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the C, D and E group (P < 0.05).