Protein and Dye Adsorption on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Nucleopore Membranes Modified with Polymers

Adsorption of basic, neutral, and acidic proteins on poly(ethylene terephthalate) nucleopore membranes was studied as a function of solution pH. Higher adsorption values were observed for basic and neutral proteins and lower, for acidic proteins. The value of pH corresponding to maximal adsorption was somewhat lower than the isoelectric points of proteins, thus suggesting that the adsorption was governed by a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interactions between proteins and the membrane surface. Proteins were adsorbed in an associated form. Membrane surface was modified with poly(ethylene imine) and poly(ethylene glycol). Combined modification of the membranes with these polymers was found to substantially decrease the adsorption of basic and neutral proteins, as well as basic dye and to slightly increase the adsorption of acidic proteins. The modifying coating had a high hydrolytic stability.