Chitosan-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) particles by spinning disk processing for lipase immobilization

Chitosan-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-CH) particles were prepared by complexation between the negatively charged PMMA particles and the positively charged chitosan via a spinning disk processing. Processing parameters; feed rate and spinning speed, were optimized, which were traced by size distribution profiles of the formed PMMA-CH particles. Their sizes and net surface charges were found to be affected by MWs of chitosan (45, 100, and 230 kDa) used. Microscopic evidences were used to confirm their core–shell morphology. Chemical characteristics and thermal stability of such particles were determined by FTIR and TGA, respectively. Then, their ability to immobilize lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) was conducted and followed through zeta potential measurement. The percentage of lipase adsorption capacity increased with increasing lipase content, but the value decreased when the size of PMMA-CH particles increased. Also, the activity of lipase attached on PMMA-CH particles’ surface was preserved and increased with lipase loading.