Biofunctional membranes from poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) with self-cleaning properties

Ultrafiltration biofunctional membranes with “self-cleaning” ability are described in this paper. Porous asymmetric membranes were formed by phase inversion method followed by the surface modification. Chloromethylated poly(phenylene oxide) served as the precursor. It was aminated by 1,2-diaminoethane to give the anchor sites for papain immobilization. The self-cleaning phenomenon was demonstrated in concentration of casein solutions.