A membrane suitable for conducting macromolecular fluid separations (e.g.,
protein filtration) is described. The membrane comprises crosslinked
polymer formed by an acid catalyzed crosslinking reaction from a
cellulosic polymer and a crosslinking agent. In a particular embodiment,
the cellulosic polymer is one having substantial crosslinkable hydroxyl
moiety content; and the crosslinking agent is one capable of releasing an
electrophilic ion in an acidic solution, the electrophile capable of
reacting with the hydroxyl moiety of the cellulosic polymer to effect the
crosslinking thereof. Good results are obtained by using a
multifunctional N-alkyloxy compound as the crosslinking agent.