Research Projects

Chicken egg white (CEW) is a significant source of multifunctional proteins, including lysozyme, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, ovomucoid, and ovomucin. Ultrafiltration has been used for protein fractionation with high recovery and selectivity, but the hydrophobic nature of the commercially available polymeric membrane makes it susceptible to membrane fouling. This results in a decline in process throughput and low transmission of smaller lysozyme protein molecules through the membrane. Protein-protein interaction also contributes to flux decline and poor selectivity of separation. For sustainable development, low-fouling mixed matrix ultrafiltration membranes (MMMs) using renewable resources are of economic and technological interest for protein fractionation. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtained from rice straw/stubble can be used as promising renewable hydrophilic nanofillers in the synthesis of MMMs. The potential of functionalizing CNCs in the synthesis of novel sustainable pH-responsive low-fouling MMMs is attractive for future protein fractionation. The pore size and antifouling properties of fabricated MMMs (PS-gCNCs) are expected to show pH sensitivity. By selecting the appropriate solution pH and applying an external d.c. electric field, membrane fouling can be reduced, enhancing the transmission of smaller lysozyme molecules through membrane pores. Electric field enhanced ultrafiltration using low-fouling MMMs based on functionalized CNCs seems to be a viable and better separation technique for protein fractionation from CEW. The objectives of this work are to fabricate novel CNCs-based pH-responsive low-fouling MMMs and evaluate their performance in electric field assisted fractionation of proteins from CEW.