Ferrocene-Modified Linear Poly(ethylenimine) for Enzymatic Immobilization and Electron Mediation

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Enzyme Engineering

Background:

• Electrochemical sensors and biofuel cells utilize electron transfer between enzymes and electrodes.
• Glucose oxidase (GOx) is key for glucose sensing, but direct electron transfer is often limited.
• Mediator-functionalized polymers like ferrocene-modified linear poly(ethylenimine) (Fc-LPEI) facilitate enzyme-electrode communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the synthesis of dimethylferrocene-modified linear poly(ethylenimine) (Fc-LPEI).
• To detail the preparation of a glucose oxidase (GOx) bioanode film using the synthesized Fc-LPEI.
• To electrochemically characterize the performance of the GOx bioanode film.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of dimethylferrocene-modified linear poly(ethylenimine).
• Cross-linking of Fc-LPEI to form hydrogel films.
• Immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) within the Fc-LPEI matrix.
• Electrochemical characterization techniques to assess electron transfer and sensor performance.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of Fc-LPEI polymer.
• Formation of stable hydrogel films capable of rapid glucose transport.
• Demonstrated efficient electron transfer between GOx and the electrode via the Fc-LPEI mediator.
• Characterization of bioanode performance for potential use in high current density applications.

Conclusions:

• Fc-LPEI is an effective mediator for immobilizing GOx in bioanode films.
• The synthesized polymer facilitates rapid electron transfer, crucial for electrochemical glucose sensing and biofuel cells.
• This approach enables the development of advanced bioanode materials with high performance.