International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Bacteriorhodopsin (bR), a pivotal light-driven proton pump intricately associated with the purple membrane (PM) and lipids, demonstrates considerable promise for diverse applications in nanotechnology and technical fields, owing to its distinctive crystalline structure. The removal of lipids from bR is often imperative, contingent upon the specific research objectives, with established methodologies typically relying on chemical detergents like CHAPS, Sodium Cholate, and Triton X-100. In this innovative investigation, we introduce chitosan as a novel delipidation agent, capitalizing on its sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective characteristics, notably its capacity for cationic lipid binding. Derived from chitin, a component of crustaceans, chitosan emerges as a versatile biomaterial with extensive utility. Through a meticulous review of the literature, we present the inaugural utilization of chitosan for bR delipidation. The purification of bR was accomplished utilizing an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), with the efficacy of lipid removal verified through meticulous analyses employing SDS-Page and UV–Vis Spectrum techniques. The successful application of chitosan in bR delipidation not only underscores its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical detergents but also prompts further exploration into biomaterial-based nanotechnological pursuits, thus broadening the horizons of scientific inquiry and innovation.