Fabrication of non-woven composite membrane by chitosan coating for resisting the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of bacteria

A facile and effective method, chitosan coating and glutaraldehyde crosslink combined with pretreatment by ozone was developed for endowing non-woven membrane with an antifouling and antibacterial surface. Characteristics of these composite membranes were monitored by Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle, and environment scanning electron microscopy. The carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups were generated on the membrane surface after ozone pretreatment. The hydrophilicity of the composite membrane surface was improved. No obvious influence was observed on the structure of the membrane bulk while the membrane surface became smoother after coating. The static adsorption of protein on the composite membrane significantly decreased comparing with the original membrane. The relatively higher flux recovery ratio of permeation flux for protein solution filtration was obtained for the composite membrane. Furthermore, antibacterial properties of the composite membranes were investigated by staining and growth inhibition. The results indicated that there were less bacteria attached onto the composite membranes. The composite membrane was thus demonstrated to be very effective in preventing the formation of biofilm, especially for the membrane with glutaraldehyde crosslink.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ A novel chitosan/non-woven composite membrane was fabricated. ▶ The composite membrane has excellent antifouling properties. ▶ The composite membrane can resist the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of bacteria.