Catalytic Biosensors from Complex Coacervate Core Micelle (C3M) Thin Films

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Enzymes are crucial catalysts and sensors in industry and medicine.
• Complex coacervates enhance enzyme stability in solution.
• Immobilizing enzymes in thin films offers practical advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a stable, cross-linked biocatalytic film using complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) and alkaline phosphatase.
• To investigate the film's morphology and stability under various conditions.
• To demonstrate the film's efficacy as a biosensor for Zn2+ detection.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of alkaline phosphatase and a neutral-cationic block copolymer into C3Ms.
• Coating C3Ms onto a solid substrate to form a film.
• Photo-cross-linking the film using ultraviolet light.
• Testing the film's performance as a Zn2+ sensor and its stability over time.

Main Results:

• Film morphology is primarily influenced by protein loading.
• The cross-linked films exhibit low leaching and high stability.
• The biosensor effectively detects Zn2+ in the presence of other metal ions.
• Sensing activity is maintained for at least one month under various aging conditions.

Conclusions:

• C3M immobilization provides a versatile method for creating robust biocatalytic films.
• These films are promising for environmental monitoring applications, particularly heavy metal detection.
• The C3M approach is adaptable for immobilizing various charged macromolecules for diverse thin-film devices.