Qualitative characterization of the protein fraction of exopolymeric substances (EPS) extracted with EDTA from sludge

► The protein fraction of EPS extracted by EDTA from sludge is qualitatively characterized. ► The EPS fingerprint without EDTA interference is obtained by SEC with fluorescence detection. ► A fingerprint of denatured proteins of EPS is derived by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. ► The PAS staining of electrophoresis gel allows obtaining a fingerprint of EPS glycoprotein. ► The origin and type of sludge affect the EPS protein fraction fingerprint.