Chitosan-Based Biocomposite Hydrogels with Squid Pen Protein for Anionic Dyes Adsorption.

Growing environmental concerns have driven the search for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, particularly for the removal of persistent synthetic dyes. This study explores hydrogels made from squid pen protein (SPP) and chitosan, biodegradable polymers, for anionic dye adsorption-reactive blue 4 (RB4) and methyl orange (MO). A 50%/50% SPP/chitosan hydrogel was optimal for RB4 adsorption while minimizing chitosan use.