Investigating the feasibility of using polysulfone–montmorillonite composite membranes for protein adsorption

The feasibility of immobilisation of montmorillonite (MMT) in polysulfone (PSf) to form mixed matrix membrane (PSf/MMT) to serve as the adsorbent for BSA proteins from a model wine solution was investigated. Pristine PSf and modified PSf/MMT membranes were synthesized using the phase inversion method and characterised using various surface techniques. Addition of MMT particles in the polysulfone matrix enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface and promoted the formation of a more porous structure in the PSf/MMT membrane, resulting in greater permeance but lower rejection in comparison to the PSf membrane. In addition, imaging analysis demonstrated recognition of protein adsorption on the adsorptive areas of the MMT particles within the PSf/MMT membrane matrix which confirmed the hydrophobic interactions between the MMT particles and BSA protein molecules. The finding is a significant step for subsequent research to examine the possible applications of clay-filled polymers in selectively removing protein from wine.

► The possibility of using clay-filled polymer membranes to remove protein from wine. ► Addition of MMT particles enhances the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface. ► Addition of MMT particles enhances the porous membrane structure and permeance. ► The adsorption occurs on the functional adsorptive sites of the MMT particles.