Lysozyme immobilization via adsorption process using sulphonic acid functionalized silane grafted copolymer

A unique silane based adsorbent material, [stearyl alcohol (SA)-grafted-epichlorohydrin (E)]-grafted-aminoproypyl silanetriol (APST) was synthesized and functionalized with sulphonyl groups via sulphonation process [(SA-g-E)-g-APST/SO3H]. The adsorbent material characterization was done by FTIR, XRD, and TGA analysis. Immobilization of protein Lysozyme (LYZ) using batch adsorption process was carried out for studying the protein–particle interaction. The most suitable pH for maximum adsorption was found to be 7.0. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be the best fit and the adsorption equilibrium was attained within 3 h. Studies on diffusion parameters explained that the adsorption mechanism was controlled by film diffusion mode. The adsorption process was then evaluated using the various isotherm models and the Sips isotherm model proved to be the best fit with a maximum adsorption capacity of 37.68 mg/g. The isotherm favorability of the adsorption process was calculated by calculating the separation factor (RL) and the values confirmed the favorability of the adsorption process. Studies on adsorption percentage with respect to temperature and thermodynamic studies revealed that adsorption process is exothermic, spontaneous with maximum entropy. Batch adsorption/desorption studies in acidic medium, for over six cycles showed the repeatability and regeneration capability of the adsorbent material (SA-g-E)-g-APST/SO3H.