Process for the immobilization of enzymes

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel process for the immobilization of the enzyme on biocompatible gold nanoparticle encapsulated free-standing membranes. The binding of the enzyme occurs through the amine groups and cysteine residues to the gold nanoparticles. The free-standing gold nanoparticle membrane was synthesized at the interface between chloroform containing bis(2-(4-aminophenoxy)ethyl)ether (DAEE) and aqueous chloroauric acid solution. The membrane is formed spontaneously by the reduction of AuCl₄^- ions by DAEE, this process leading to the formation of gold nanoparticles. The concomitant process of oxidation of DAEE leads to the creation of a polymeric matrix in which the gold nanoparticles are embedded. The gold nanoparticle membrane is extremely stable, robust, easily handled, malleable and can be grown over large areas and thickness by suitably varying the experimental conditions.