PVA-BASED HYBRID MATERIALS FOR IMMOBILIZATION OF TRICHOSPORON CUTANEUM R57 EFFICIENT IN REMOVAL OF CHROMIUM IONS

New hybrid materials based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and γ-aminopropyltriethoxyxilane (APTEOS), 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPTEOS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were prepared. To determine the thermal stability of the hybrid materials, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed. The new materials were tested for biofilm formation and biosorption studies. They were tested as matrices for immobilization of Trichosporon cutaneum R57 capable to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The use of APTEOS and MPTEOS as precursors, incorporated new NH– and SH– bonds, which ensured additional binding places for cells immobilization. The presence of SH– and NH– groups in the hybrid matrices resulted in apparently higher Cr(VI) sorption capacity of the immobilized Tr. cutaneum R57 cells due to the incorporation of additional adsorption sites in the matrix through the PVA functionalities. The synthesized PVA/APTEOS materials proved efficient for use in biosorption applications.