Study of Schiff base formation between dialdehyde cellulose and proteins, and its application for the deproteinization of crude polysaccharide extracts

•Dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) was produced by the selective oxidation of pulp fiber.•The DACs were used to bond bovine serum albumin (BSA) by forming Schiff bases.•The suitable bonding conditions between DAC and BSA were obtained.•The DAC showed remarkable deproteinization from crude polysaccharide solution.•DAC may be a promising method for replacing the typical Sevage method.