Biodegradable ultrafiltration membrane enhanced with anti-biofouling agent from Anacardium occidentale extract

Abstract

Our research focuses on developing environmentally friendly biodegradable ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for small-scale water purification in areas lacking infrastructure or during emergencies. To address biofouling challenges without resorting to harmful chemicals, we incorporate bio-based extracts, such as methyl gallate from A. occidentale leaves, a Malaysian ulam herb, known for its quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) properties. The methyl gallate enriched extract was purified by solvent partitioning and integrated into cellulose-based UF membranes (0 to 7.5% w w^–1) through phase inversion technique. The resulting membranes exhibited enhanced anti-organic fouling and anti-biofouling properties, with flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 87.84 ± 2.00% against bovine serum albumin and FRRs of 76.67 ± 1.89% and 69.57 ± 1.77% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The CA/MG-5 membrane showed a 224% improvement in pure water flux (PWF) compared to the neat CA membrane. Our innovative approach significantly improves PWF, presenting an environmentally friendly method for biofouling prevention in UF membrane applications.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Ultrafiltration membranes
• cellulose acetate
• quorum sensing inhibitors
• biofouling
• ulam herbs

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Wong Chen Wai, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank UCSI University for the financial support received under Research Excellence & Innovation Grant (REIG-FAS-2022/008). The first author also express gratitude to Higher Institution Centre of Excellence Advanced Membranes Technology Research Centre (HICoE AMTEC) for the fellowship scholarship received under HICoE AMTEC (A.J091400.6800.07092).