Synthesis of Chitosan-Functionalized Fibrous Membrane for Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase: Interfacial Property and Application for Catalytic Oxidation of P-Nitrophenol

A hydrophilic fibrous membrane consisting of a network of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer and an in situ crosslinked hydrophilic chitosan polymer is studied. 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 25~60°C. 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 is 70 percent. The results demonstrate that the chitosan-functionalized fibrous membrane is a promising support for immobilization of enzymes and has applications related to enzyme catalysis.