Diaminobutane based poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer functionalized with sixteen thiol groups, DAB-3-(SH)(16), was successfully embeded in a swollen cellulosic support in order to achieve an easily handle engineered membrane. The membrane was characterised by physicochemical, electrical and transport measurements, and the effect of the dendrimer was established by comparing these results with those obtained for the original cellulosic support. Results show that dendrimer inclusion improves the membrane elastic behaviour (Young modulus increase around 20%), while a significant reduction in the permeation of toxics heavy metals (Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+) was also obtained, which avails the possible application of dendrimer-modified membrane in electrochemical devices for water remediation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.