Covalently immobilized enzymes on biocompatible polymers for amperometric sensor applications

Glucose oxidase or choline oxidase were covalently immobilized on the surface of 2-hydroxyethyl and glycidyl methacrylate copolymer membranes. The polymerization was induced by gamma irradiation at low temperature. The enzyme modified polymers were applied on Clark-type or platinum electrodes to form amperometric sensors based on the electrochemical measurements of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Glucose and choline content in standard solutions were measured and linear calibration curves were determined. The sensors studied showed a response time of less than 2 min and the observed linear ranges were increased with respect to usual biosensors owing to the diffusion-limiting effects of the membranes used. The influence of the copolymer composition on the electrochemical response and on the retained enzyme activity were explored for verifying the optimum analytical performance. The immobilized enzyme membranes stored in suitable buffers were very stable and showed a decrease up to 20% in the electrode response after 3 months of constant use.