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Highlights• Ultrasonication as a green alternative technique to enhance membrane permeability.• Combined effect of nanofillers and ultrasonication.• Effect of ultrasonication and nanofillers on crosslinked-PVA membranes.

In this study, biocompatible composite membranes of sodium alginate/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (NaAlg/HPMC) based on nano-titanium dioxide (n-TiO2) were prepared. Regarding the preparation processes of these membranes, the amount of citric acid [5%, 15%, 30% (w/w)] added to the NaAlg/HPMC blend, the crosslinker type (glutaraldehyde, acetone/water with glutaraldehyde, CaCl2), and the amount of n-TiO2 [5%, 15%, 20% (w/w)] were studied and optimum conditions were determined. When the equilibrium swelling values were examined, it was observed that the one with the least swelling was the CaCl2 crosslinked membrane. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the modified crosslinked membranes. The FTIR analysis results showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of the HPMC and NaAlg polymer chains. The DSC analysis showed the existence of single glass transition temperature (Tg) which indicated the compatibility and physical interaction between the NaAlg and HPMC polymer chains for NaAlg / HPMC mixtures.