Cellulose Matrices Research Articles

Fabrication of all-cellulose nanocomposites from corn stalk.

There is a need to help farmers and industries develop value-added composite and nanocomposite materials from agricultural residuals. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were made using a TEMPO oxidation method and celluloses were prepared by acid-base method and extracting method, which were all from corn stalk, an agricultural residual. The prepared celluloses were dissolved separately in dimethylacetamide/LiCl solvent and CNFs were added at 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.5% and 3.0% to form all-cellulose nanocomposites, and then cast into films. Morphology, structure and properties of the nanocomposite films were characterized using atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and mechanical testing. The all-cellulose nanocomposite films with different cellulose matrices exhibited good optical transparency and layer structure. The all-cellulose nanocomposite films with cellulose prepared by the extracting method (Composite E) exhibited a higher crystallinity, better thermal stability and higher mechanical strength compared to the all-cellulose nanocomposite films with cellulose prepared by the acid-base method (Composite A). The crystal structure of the all-cellulose nanocomposite films indicated the coexistence of cellulose I and cellulose II. However, in contrast to Composite A, the diffraction intensity of cellulose I in Composite E was higher than that of cellulose II. This was another reason that the mechanical properties of Composite E were superior to those of Composite A. In addition, the mechanical properties of the all-cellulose nanocomposite films were significantly different when the addition of CNFs reached 3.0% by weight, as indicated by a multiple-range comparison. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Hydrolytic Destruction of Modified Cellulosic Materials in Conditions Simulating a Purulent Wound

The development of new effective agents for purulent wounds treatment remains one of the most priority tasks of modern Biomedicine. An important aspect of ensuring the wound healing process is the selection of appropriate dressings. The right choice allows you to provide proper supportive therapy that accompanies the treatment of the root cause. Unlike cotton cellulose, dialdehyde cellulose undergoes significant hydrolytic and biological degradation in the human body under physiological conditions. Modern dressings are developed and produced on the basis of dialdehyde cellulose, chitosan, and various therapeutic agents (including enzymes). The kinetics of hydrolytic destruction of materials based on modified cellulose was studied. Using UV- and IR- spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering methods, the decomposition of various cellulose matrices based on cotton medical gauze (1/15M phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.2, 37ºC) was studied. The properties of the cellulose carrier’ degradation products also were investigated. Their biological properties have been studied. It was found that the products of hydrolytic destruction of dialdehyde cellulose have antioxidant properties. The degradation of the cellulose carrier increases with the raising of cellulose modification degree, temperature, time, and pH of the solution. Chitosan stabilization of the oxidized cellulose carrier was found.

Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant interference in cellulose-based IgE allergy tests utilizing recombinant allergen components.

BackgroundCross-reactive carbohydrate determinant (CCD) structures found in plant and insect glycoproteins are commonly recognized by IgE antibodies as epitopes that can lead to extensive cross-reactivity and obscure in vitro diagnostic (IVD) serology results. With the introduction of component resolved diagnosis (CRD), recombinant non-glycosylated components have been utilized to mitigate the risk of CCD-specific IgE (sIgE) detection. However, a recent study has shown that CCD-sIgE may bind directly to the cellulose solid phase matrix used in certain in vitro diagnostic assays, eliminating the advantage of CRD over traditional extract-based testing. The aim of this study is to further investigate the prevalence of CCD-sIgE interference on a commonly-used in vitro sIgE automated platform which employs a cellulose-based matrix to immobilize CCD-free recombinant components.MethodsSera from patients sensitized to peanut, silver birch, and/or timothy grass were analyzed for CCD-sIgE reactivity on ImmunoCAP/Phadia and NOVEOS autoanalyzers against the MUXF3 carbohydrate component. Positive CCD-sIgE sera were further analyzed against non-glycosylated recombinant components bound to the ImmunoCAP solid phase in the absence and presence of a soluble CCD inhibitor. For comparison, sera were then analyzed on NOVEOS, a non-cellulose based automated sIgE assay.ResultsSera from 35% of the sensitized population tested in this study were positive (≥0.35 kU/L) for CCD-sIgE. Of those positives, 17% resulted in CCD-sIgE-positive (false positive) results on ImmunoCAP using non-glycosylated allergosorbents that were negative on NOVEOS. Sera producing false-positive results on ImmunoCAP had varying levels of CCD-sIgE from 0.67 kU/L to 36.52 kU/L. The incidence of CCD interference was predominantly delimited to low-positive IgE results (0.35 kUA/L– 3.00 kUA/L).ConclusionFalsely elevated diagnostic allergen-sIgE results can commonly occur due to the presence of CCD-sIgE using assays that employ a carbohydrate matrix-based allergosorbent. Even the use of non-glycosylated recombinant allergenic components coupled to cellulose matrices do not reduce their risk of detection. The risk of CCD interference that compromises quantitative IgE results can be mitigated by the addition of a soluble CCD inhibitor to positive CCD-sIgE containing sera or by alternatively using a non-cellulose based sIgE assay, such as the NOVEOS assay.

Properties of Solutions of Cellulose and Chitin with Montmorillonite Nanoparticles in Aqueous Alkali with Urea and Thiourea Additions and of Composite Films Prepared from These Solutions

Rheological properties of cellulose and chitin solutions with additions of montmorillonite nanoparticles in NaOH/urea/thiourea aqueous-alkaline solutions were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that montmorillonite nanoparticles in hydrated cellulose and chitin films are in the intercalated state. Analysis of the Fourier IR spectra of the composite films reveals the shift of the Si–O absorption band in both polymer systems. Introduction of montmorillonite into hydrated cellulose and chitin matrices leads to an increase in the residual weight (at 800°C) and to a slight decrease in the degradation onset temperature and in the temperature of the maximal degradation rate.

Bacterial cellulose matrices to develop enzymatically active paper

This work studies the suitability of bacterial cellulose (BC) matrices to prepare enzymatically active nanocomposites, in a framework of more environmentally friendly methodologies. After BC production and purification, two kind of matrices were obtained: BC in aqueous suspension and BC paper. A lipase was immobilised onto the BC matrices by physical adsorption, obtaining Lipase/BC nanocomposites. Neither morphology nor crystallinity, measured by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry respectively, of the BC were affected by the binding of the protein. The activity of Lipase/BC suspension and Lipase/BC paper was tested under different conditions, and the operational properties of the enzyme were evaluated. A shift towards higher temperatures, a broader pH activity range, and slight differences in the substrate preference were observed in the immobilised lipase, compared with the free enzyme. Specific activity was higher for Lipase/BC suspension (4.2 U/mg) than for Lipase/BC paper (1.7 U/mg) nanocomposites. However, Lipase/BC paper nanocomposites showed improved thermal stability, reusability, and durability. Enzyme immobilised onto BC paper retained 60% of its activity after 48 h at 60 °C. It maintained 100% of the original activity after being recycled 10 times at pH 7 at 60 °C and it remained active after being stored for more than a month at room temperature. The results suggested that lipase/BC nanocomposites are promising biomaterials for the development of green biotechnological devices with potential application in industrials bioprocesses of detergents and food industry and biomedicine. Lipase/BC paper nanocomposite might be a key component of bioactive paper for developing simple, handheld, and disposable devices.

In Vitro Biocompatibility of Decellularized Cultured Plant Cell-Derived Matrices.

There has been a recent increase in exploring the use of decellularized plant tissue as a novel "green" material for biomedical applications. As part of this effort, we have developed a technique to decellularize cultured plant cells (tobacco BY-2 cells and rice cells) and tissue (tobacco hairy roots) that uses deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I)). As a proof of concept, all cultured plant cells and tissue were transformed to express recombinant enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to show that the proteins of interest could be retained within the matrices. Decellularization of lyophilized tobacco BY-2 cells with DNase for 30 min depleted the DNA content from 1503 ± 459 to 31 ± 5 ng/sample. The decellularization procedure resulted in approximately 36% total protein retention (154 ± 60 vs 424 ± 70 μg/sample) and 33% EGFP retention. Similar results for DNA removal and protein retention were observed with the rice cells and tobacco hairy root matrices. When exposed to decellularized BY-2 cell-derived matrices, monolayer cultures of human foreskin fibroblasts (hFFs) maintained or increased metabolic activity, which is an indicator of cell viability. Furthermore, hFFs were able to attach, spread, and proliferate when cultured with the decellularized BY-2 cell-derived matrices in an aggregate model. Overall, these studies demonstrate that cultured plant cells and tissue can be effectively decellularized with DNase I with substantial protein retention. The resulting material has a positive impact on hFF metabolic activity and could be employed to create a three-dimensional environment for cell growth. These results thus show the promise of using naturally derived cellulose matrices from cultured plant cells and tissues for biomedical applications.

Preparation of bacterial cellulose-based adsorbent by simultaneous irradiation method: synthesis and characterization

The adsorbents based on bacterial cellulose matrices, i.e. bacterial cellulose-co-(poly)acrylamide (BC-PAAM) and bacterial cellulose-co-(poly)acrylic (BC-PAA) has been successfully synthesized using polymerization radiation technique by gamma rays. The irradiation doses used in this study were 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 kGy, with the dose rate of 5 kGy/h. The results showed that the optimum dose for synthesizing the BC-PAAM by using the simultaneous technique was 50 kGy, with the optimum gel fraction was 90.04 % obtained for mass ratio among acrylamide (AAM) and bacterial cellulose (BC) was 1:4. Meanwhile, the optimum dose for synthesizing the BC-PAA by using the similar technique was 75 kGy, with the optimum gel fraction was 94.27 % for the mass ratio between acrylic (AA) and bacterial cellulose (BC) was 2:3. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed that the AA and AAM had been successfully grafted onto the BC. The increasing of heat resistance of the grafted adsorbent was indicated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis.

One-step enzymatic grafting of ferulic acid with cellulose to enhance matrices–fibres compatibility in bio-composites

Bio-composites elaboration is limited by poor interfaces between cellulose and polymer matrices and the cellulose degradation. Achieving cellulose grafting with ferulic acid should enhance those resulting bio-composites mechanical properties. Therefore, a cellulose suspension was modified with ferulic acid using laccase under reaction conditions set at 60 °C, acetate buffer pH 5 for 24 h. Grafted cellulose fibrils were extruded in polypropylene-grafted maleic acid (PPgMA) for mechanical properties studies. Even if ferulic acid interacted with cellulose without any enzyme presence, the acid resilience was only detected for cellulose fibres modified with ferulic acid proving the surface grafting. Cellulose fibrillary lengths were unaffected by the enzymatic treatment suggesting a tiny coating. The resulting bio-composites had a Young modulus reduction of 12%. The elongation at maximal stress had 23% improvement, corresponding to a material mechanical resistance. This result was also confirmed by bio-composite elaboration with natural fibres under the same conditions. Ferulic acid and cellulose blends have improved the hardness properties of the resulting bio-composites with PP-PPgMA.

Modification of cellulose fibers with inorganic luminescent nanoparticles based on lanthanide(III) ions

This article presents synthesis and properties of the fibers modified with luminescent, inorganic nanoparticles doped with lanthanide(III) ions, i.e. LaF3:Ce3+, Gd3+, Eu3+; CeF3:Tb3+ and CePO4:Tb3+. The fibers with luminescent properties were prepared via so called Lyocell process. This method involves dissolving cellulose in aqueous solution of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and a subsequent spinning of the fibers, using a dry-wet method. Thanks to the successful incorporation of the modifier nanoparticles (NPs) into the cellulose matrices, the fibers exhibited bright, multicolor emission upon UV irradiation and good mechanical properties, which allowed further textile processing. This type of fibers, as well as the as-prepared textiles/fabric can be used as an anti-counterfeiting agent for clothes and documents protection.

Comparison of different slow-release nutrient composites produced to stimulate microorganisms

Concern for environmental quality has increased in society because industrial and technological development has released high levels of contaminants into the environment, such as hydrocarbons. A technique widely used for bioremediation is biostimulation, which may be enhanced by microencapsulation. This research formulated slow-release nitrogen and phosphorus compounds using different polymer (Alginate/Capsul®, carboxymethyl cellulose) matrices and compared them with the agricultural product Osmocote® and mineral medium Bushnell-Haas as hydrocarbonoclastics biostimulation agents in the environment for pollutant bioremediation. N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) were immobilized using lyophilization and ionic gelation techniques. Experiments were conducted using encapsulated material and evaluated for biomass production, glucose consumption as organic carbon source and N and P supply. The immobilized carboxymethyl cellulose compound showed the best results of glycosidic degradation (66.7%) and microbial biostimulation (350 mg L-1 protein) compared to systems containing free nutrients (11.3% and 150 mg L-1 degradation glycosidic and microbial biostimulation, respectively). Thus, this compound is a potential slow release product for bioremediation processes.

Biocellulose Masks as Delivery Systems: A Novel Methodological Approach to Assure Quality and Safety

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has become of great interest in recent years, as a delivery system in several areas of application, including food, drugs, and cosmetics, thanks to its exclusive advantages, such as high biocompatibility, water holding capacity, and good gas permeability. The novel approach of the authors has led to a protocol for checking the quality and safety of bacterial cellulose matrices in the manufacture of cosmetic masks. Two non-destructive techniques, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and multiple light scattering (MLS), were used to verify different parameters affecting the quality of BC sheets, allowing cellulose masks to be checked over time. NIR spectroscopy allowed for discovering changes in the water content, depending on filling/packaging procedures, like flat-folding. Multiple light scattering was used to ascertain the stability of solutions in contact with masks. From a clinical standpoint, the cutaneous tolerability of biocellulose masks, and their effect on skin parameters, were evaluated through some specific “in vivo” tests. Also, a safety evaluation during application was conducted through different studies: a short-term one after single application, and a long-term one upon continued use.

Determination of Triacetone Triperoxide and Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine in Various Matrices Using Infrared Spectroscopy.

The method for quantitative analysis of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) in different matrices is presented. The method is suitable for polymer, plastic, or cellulose matrices. It is based on dissolving, or extraction of, peroxide in the solvent and measurement in cuvettes using the Fourier transform infrared technique. These methods may be useful in analytical techniques of explosive detection and determination.

Cellulose-based scaffolds for fluorescence lifetime imaging-assisted tissue engineering

Quantitative measurement of pH and metabolite gradients by microscopy is one of the challenges in the production of scaffold-grown organoids and multicellular aggregates. Herein, we used the cellulose-binding domain (CBD) of the Cellulomonas fimi CenA protein for designing biosensor scaffolds that allow measurement of pH and Ca2+ gradients by fluorescence intensity and lifetime imaging (FLIM) detection modes. By fusing CBD with pH-sensitive enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (CBD-ECFP), we achieved efficient labeling of cellulose-based scaffolds based on nanofibrillar, bacterial cellulose, and decellularized plant materials. CBD-ECFP bound to the cellulose matrices demonstrated pH sensitivity comparable to untagged ECFP (1.9–2.3 ns for pH 6–8), thus making it compatible with FLIM-based analysis of extracellular pH. By using 3D culture of human colon cancer cells (HCT116) and adult stem cell-derived mouse intestinal organoids, we evaluated the utility of the produced biosensor scaffold. CBD-ECFP was sensitive to increases in extracellular acidification: the results showed a decline in 0.2–0.4 pH units in response to membrane depolarization by the protonophore FCCP. With the intestinal organoid model, we demonstrated multiparametric imaging by combining extracellular acidification (FLIM) with phosphorescent probe-based monitoring of cell oxygenation. The described labeling strategy allows for the design of extracellular pH-sensitive scaffolds for multiparametric FLIM assays and their use in engineered live cancer and stem cell-derived tissues. Collectively, this research can help in achieving the controlled biofabrication of 3D tissue models with known metabolic characteristics. Statement of SignificanceWe designed biosensors consisting of a cellulose-binding domain (CBD) and pH- and Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent proteins. CBD-tagged biosensors efficiently label various types of cellulose matrices including nanofibrillar cellulose and decellularized plant materials. Hybrid biosensing cellulose scaffolds designed in this study were successfully tested by multiparameter FLIM microscopy in 3D cultures of cancer cells and mouse intestinal organoids.

High Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Carbon Nanotube–Cellulose Composite Films with Layered Structures

AbstractFlexible and electrically conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)–cellulose composite films are fabricated by a green route based on sodium hydroxide/urea aqueous solution. Both single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are investigated as conductive fillers. The microstructure and physical properties of the films are characterized extensively. It is observed that CNTs form layered conductive networks in the cellulose matrices during the drying process. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of these composite films is also investigated. The results exhibit that the EMI SE of the materials is in accordance with electrical conductivity, which is highly dependent on the CNT loadings. Compared to MWCNT–cellulose composite films, the films with SWCNT show more effectiveness as EMI materials in the frequency range of 12–18 GHz. With SWCNT loading of 10 wt%, the EMI SE can reach 32.5–40 dB. Considering the thickness and density of the material, furthermore, the SWCNT–cellulose film possesses an extremely high specific EMI SE value of about 7678 dB cm2 g−1, which is due to the unique layered structures of CNTs. Thus, these flexible conductive composite films have the potential to be used as high‐efficiency shielding materials against electromagnetic radiation in advanced application fields.

In situ controllable synthesis of Ag@AgCl in cellulose film and its effect on anti-fouling properties

Cellulose–Ag@AgCl composite films were fabricated by one-step coagulation of the cellulose/1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl)solution with AgNO3. AgCl was firstly formed when AgNO3 was added into cellulose/BmimCl solution, and then the formed AgCl was further reacted with excess Cl−, leading to the complete dissolution of AgCl. The AgCl crystal would grow again from cellulose matrix in the air after the film formation. Meanwhile, AgCl could be partly decomposed into Ag° and formed Ag@AgCl under visible-light irradiation. The morphology of Ag@AgCl in cellulose matrix could be regulated by changing the molar ratio of BmimCl and AgNO3, the growth time of AgCl crystal and the concentration of cellulose solution. The cellulose composite film with stamen-like Ag@AgCl showed the best anti-fouling properties for methyl orange reagent under visible-light irradiation. This work also provided a simple pathway to regulate the morphology of Ag@AgCl in cellulose or other polymer matrices.

Entangled and colloidally stable microcrystalline cellulose matrices in controlled drug release

Drug release from a new type of matrix material consisting of partially fibrillated microcrystalline cellulose was investigated. A mechanical treatment of novel AaltoCell™ cellulose microcrystals caused partial opening of the nanofibrillary structure of the cellulose particles and entanglement of individual particles led into formation of an elastic network of microcrystalline cellulose. The rheological properties of the stable hydrogel-like materials were characterised by shear rheometry. Model compounds metronidazole and lysozyme were successfully employed in drug release experiments carried out by delignified (bleached) and lignin-containing matrices. The viscosity as well as the lignin-content played a role in the release dynamics of the drugs. Microcrystalline AaltoCell™ was proven as high-performing material for diffusion controlled release of the chosen model compounds and can be seen as a safe and economical alternative for novel matrix materials such as nanocellulose or cellulose derivatives.

Mussel Adhesive-Inspired Design of Superhydrophobic Nanofibrillated Cellulose Aerogels for Oil/Water Separation

Inspiration from biomimetics—the chemistry of mussel adhesives—was taken for imparting superhydrophobic properties to nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) matrices. A polydopamine (PDA) surface coating was introduced, acting as an anchor between the NFC scaffold and octadecylamine (ODA): PDA is coated onto the NFC scaffolds by its adhesive properties and the ODA is successfully attached to the PDA by a Schiff base reaction. The ultralow density of 6.04 mg/cm3 combined with the high contact angle of 152.5° endows the composite aerogel with superb buoyancy and excellent oil/water separation selectivity. Oil can be rapidly absorbed from a mixture of oil and water. In addition, the modified aerogel can take up a wide range of organic solvents, with the maximum absorption capacity reaching up to 176 g/g, depending on the density of the liquids. The novel superhydrophobic aerogel shows great potential as an adsorber for oil and solvent spills and as an oil–water separator.

Integration of a Copper-Containing Biohybrid (CuHARS) with Cellulose for Subsequent Degradation and Biomedical Control.

We previously described the novel synthesis of a copper high-aspect ratio structure (CuHARS) biohybrid material using cystine. While extremely stable in water, CuHARS is completely (but slowly) degradable in cellular media. Here, integration of the CuHARS into cellulose matrices was carried out to provide added control for CuHARS degradation. Synthesized CuHARS was concentrated by centrifugation and then dried. The weighed mass was re-suspended in water. CuHARS was stable in water for months without degradation. In contrast, 25 μg/mL of the CuHARS in complete cell culture media was completely degraded (slowly) in 18 days under physiological conditions. Stable integration of CuHARS into cellulose matrices was achieved through assembly by mixing cellulose micro- and nano-fibers and CuHARS in an aqueous (pulp mixture) phase, followed by drying. Additional materials were integrated to make the hybrids magnetically susceptible. The cellulose-CuHARS composite films could be transferred, weighed, and cut into usable pieces; they maintained their form after rehydration in water for at least 7 days and were compatible with cell culture studies using brain tumor (glioma) cells. These studies demonstrate utility of a CuHARS-cellulose biohybrid for applied applications including: (1) a platform for biomedical tracking and (2) integration into a 2D/3D matrix using natural products (cellulose).

Cellulose-metallothionein matrix for metal binding

In this report, we have modified bacterial cellulose to a metal binding matrix by covalently conjugating physiological metal chelators known as metallothioneins. The hydroxyl groups of the native bacterial cellulose from Gluconobacter xylinus are epoxidized, followed by the covalent conjugation with the amine groups of the proteins. For the first time, a covalent conjugation of protein with bacterial cellulose is achieved using the epoxy-amine conjugation chemistry. Using this protocol, 50% mass by mass of the metallothionein could be attached to bacterial cellulose. The morphological features and porosity of the modified cellulose are different compared to pristine bacterial cellulose. Also, the conjugated material has better thermal stability. A five-fold enhancement in the metal binding capacity of the metallothionein conjugated bacterial cellulose is achieved as compared to pristine bacterial cellulose. Cellular metabolic assay and membrane integrity assay on MCF and HeLa cell lines showed no significant toxicity of the conjugate material. This bacterial cellulose-metallothionein conjugate can be explored for health care applications where management of metal toxicity is crucial. Further, the epoxy-amine chemistry for covalent conjugation of protein can be applied for several other types of proteins to develop specific functional biocompatible and biodegradable cellulose matrices.

Cellulose-Affinity Isolation of Vaccine Candidate Antigens from Transgenic Plants

Apart from tradition, the biospecific affinity isolation has become one of the most rapidly growing concerns with cellulose binding domains (CBDs), a high-capacity tag for cost-effective purifications of fusion proteins. We report here a new strategy optimized for isolation of two fusion proteins, the FGF-1 (a human functional protein) and the H5N1 (a vaccine candidate antigen) tagged with CBD were grown in transient <i>Nicotiana benthamiana</i> and transgenic <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> respectively. A notable fraction of the recombinant proteins was lost through plant debris pelleted from the plant-slurry made. However, this issue was resolved by adjusting tissue-to-buffer ratios with 1:10 and 1:15 in those plants respectively. Washing efficiencies were improved by agitating column beds with acidic buffer (20mM NaAc. pH 4.0) in <i>Nicotiana</i> and alkaline buffer (10mM Tris-base pH 8.0) in <i>Arabidopsis</i>. Adsorption and coupling of tagged proteins on cellulose matrices were affected by the buffer-logged resins. The column-beds, after pumping the moisture out, showed efficient in binding of antigens with almost no losses detected by immunoblot signals. The bound antigens were released efficiently from the cellulose matrices by 1% Cellobiose and 2% Triethylamine respectively. The successive purifications of these antigenic proteins with identical tags likely indicate the efficiency of the proposed strategy in providing a generic and cost-effective method to purify fusion proteins propagated in transgenic plants.