Use of glucose oxidase in a membrane reactor for gluconic acid production

This article aims at the evaluation of the catalytic performance of glucose oxidase (GO) (EC.1.1.3.4) for the glucose/gluconic acid conversion in the ultrafiltration cell type membrane reactor (MB-CSTR). The reactor was coupled with a Millipore ultrafiltration-membrane (cutoff of 100 kDa) and operated for 24 h under agitation of 100 rpm, pH 5.5, and 30 degrees C. The experimental conditions varied were the glucose concentration (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 mM), the feeding rate (0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 6.0/h), dissolved oxygen (8.0 and 16.0 mg/L), GO concentration (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 U(GO)/mL), and the glucose oxidase/catalase activity ratio (U(GO)/U(CAT))(1:0, 1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). A conversion yield of 80% and specific reaction rate of 40 x 10(-4) mmol/h x U(GO) were attained when the process was carried out under the following conditions: D =3.0/h, dissolved oxygen =16.0 mg/L, [G] =40 mM, and (U(GO)/U(CAT)) =1:20. A simplified model for explaining the inhibition of GO activity by hydrogen peroxide, formed during the glucose/gluconic acid conversion, was presented.     

Immobilisation of acid pectinase on graphene oxide nanosheets

Recent progress in nanotechnology has prompted research interest in immobilised enzymes on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets for their large specific surface area and abundant functional groups. In the present work, acid pectinase was immobilised on the GO via the cross-linking of amino groups on pectinase and functional groups (e.g. carboxyl group) on the GO surface. Acid pectinase was effectively immobilised on the support and high loading densities were obtained (2400 mg per g of support). In addition, the immobilised enzyme achieved a better catalytic efficiency (K _cat/K _m) than its free counterpart; 3.7 mg^?1 min^?1 mL for immobilised pectinase, 3.5 mg^?1 min^?1 mL for free pectinase. Under acidic conditions, pectinase immobilised on GO will be agglomerated, but the addition of surfactant PEG 6000 could solve the problem and afford higher catalytic activity and catalytic efficiency.     

Flow-injection spectrophotometric determination of glucose in blood plasma with bindschedler's green leuco base as color reagent

The hydrogen peroxide produces in the oxidation of glucos in an immobilized glucose oxidase reactor is determined by using Bindschedler's green (leuco base) as color reagent with iron(II) as catalyst; the increase in the absorbance at 725 nm is measured. For 100-μl samples, calibration was almost linear in the range 0–2.5 mg l^?1 glucose; the relative standard deviation for 1 mg l^?1 glucose was 0.6% (n=10) and the detection limit (S/N= 2) was 0.02 mg l^?1. The injection rate was 20 h^?1. Glucose was determined satisfactorily in control sera and in real blood sera.     

Preparation of immobilized glucose oxidase membrane by the plasma polymerization technique

Glucose oxidase was immobilized on a Millipore (MP) filter by coating with plasma-polymerized propargyl alcohol. The resulting immobilized enzyme membrane was used as a glucose sensor. The properties as a glucose electrode system were evaluated by amperometric response with either the steady-state method or the reaction rate method. The response was proportional to concentrations of the glucose solution up to 2 mM and the sensitivity was dependent on the amount of GOD impregnated into the MP filter.     

A glucose sensor based on glucose dehydrogenase adsorbed on a modified carbon electrode

A glucose sensor is prepared by adsorption of the mediator Meldola blue (N,N-dimethyl-7-amino-1,2-benzophenoxazinium ion, as well as glucose dehydrogenase, on the surface of a carbon electrode. The nicotinamide coenzyme, whhich is present in the solution, is reduced in the enzymatic reaction and is re-oxidized amperometrically at 0 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. The properties of such electrodes depend on whether the mediator or the enzyme is adsorbed first; possible models for the molecular arrangements at the surface are discussed. The modified electrode is mounted in a flow-through cell in a flow-injection system and tested with 50-μl injections of β-d-glucose. The calibration graphs were linear in the range 5 × 10^?6—2 × 10^?3 M βd glucose with the highest sensitivity at pH 6.0. The membrane-free enzyme electrode has a fast response; peak widths are 12 s at half height (flow rate 0.7 ml min^?1, making it possible to process 100 samples h^?1.     

Solid-phase extraction of Hg(II) on creatine modified activated carbon and determination by ICP-OES in water samples

A new sorbent was successfully prepared by immobilizing creatine on activated carbon and then used for separation/preconcentration of trace Hg(II) prior to detection by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Experimental conditions including pH, sample flow rate and volume, eluting variables and tolerance limit of interfering ions were evaluated and established. At pH 1.0 and flow rate of 2.5?mL?min^?1, Hg(II) was adsorbed quantitatively on the column, then quantitatively eluted by 2.0?mL 0.1?mol?L^?1 nitric acid solution; other transition metal ions did not interfere with the determination of Hg(II). An enrichment factor of 100 was obtained for Hg(II). The maximum adsorption capacity was 49.5?mg?g^?1. Under the optimal conditions, the value of the detection limit (3σ) was 0.06?ng?mL^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) calculated was lower than 3.0% (n?=?8). The methodology was validated by analyzing certified reference materials and successfully applied to the determination of trace Hg(II) in natural water samples with satisfactory results.     

Synchronous mineralization of three aqueous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in electrochemical advanced oxidation process

Electrochemical degradation performances of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen (ACT), aspirin (ASP) and ibuprofen (IBP), were investigated and compared in their alone and mixture conditions using Ti/SnO₂-Sb/La-PbO₂. The pseudo-first-order degradation kinetics (k) order was k_IBP-A (0.110 min^?1) ? k_ASP-A (0.092 min^?1) ? k_ACT-A (0.066 min^?1) in their alone condition, while that was k_ACT-M (0.088 min^?1) ? k_ASP-M (0.063 min^?1) ? k_IBP-M (0.057 min^?1) in their mixture condition. The ^?OH apparent production rate constant of 5.23 mmol L^?1 min^?1 m^?2 and an electrical energy per order (E_EO) value of 6.55 Wh/L could ensure the synchronous degradation of the NSAIDs mixture. The mineralization efficiency of NSAIDs mixture was 86.9% at 240 min with a mineralization current efficiency of 1.67%. Acetic acid and oxalic acid were the main products in the mineralization process for the both conditions. In the mixture condition, there were higher k values at lower initial concentrations and higher current density, while the presence of carbonate and humic acid inhibited their degradation. The results indicated electrochemical advanced oxidation process can effectively and synchronously mineralize NSAIDs mixture in wastewater.     

Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on Rhodium Dioxide‐Modified Carbon Ink

An amperometric method for the determination of glucose using a screen printed carbon electrode is reported. The electrode material was bulk modified with rhodium dioxide and the enzyme glucose oxidase immobilized in a Nafion‐film on the electrode surface and investigated for its ability to serve as a detector of glucose in flow injection analysis. The sensor exhibited a linear increase of the amperometric signal with the concentration of glucose in the range of 1–250 mg L^?1 with a detection limit (evaluated as 3σ) of 0.2 mg L^?1 under optimized flow rate of 0.4 mL min^?1 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) carrier. At the potential applied (?0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl), interferences from redox species present in the sample matrix were negligible. The biosensor reported here retained its activity for more than 40 injections or 4 months of storage at 6 °C. The RSD was determined as 1.8% for a glucose concentration of 25 mg L^?1 (n=5) with a typical response time of about 28 s.     

Decomposition of meta- and para-phenylphenol during ozonation process

The decomposition of meta-phenylphenol (m-PP) and para-phenylphenol (p-PP) in a heterogeneous gas-liquid system using ozone was investigated. The influence of different reaction parameters such as ozone and PP isomers concentration as well as pH and temperature of the reaction mixture on the PP decay rate was determined. The second-order rate constants for the direct reaction of molecular ozone, determined in a homogeneous system, were (5.85 ± 0.35) × 10² M^?1 s^?1 and (8.90 ± 0.33) × 10² M^?1 s^?1 for m-PP and p-PP, respectively. The rate constants for the reaction of m-PP and p-PP with ozone increased with increasing pH. The reaction rate constants with ozone were found to be (1.75 ± 0.02) × 10⁹ M^?1 s^?1 and (1.86 ± 0.02) × 10⁹ M^?1 s^?1 for m-PP and p-PP anions, respectively.     

Optimal glucose and inoculum concentrations for production of bioactive molecules by Paenibacillus polymyxa RNC-D

The production of antimicrobial metabolites by Paenibacillus polymyxa RNC-D was assessed. Two process variables, glucose and inoculum concentrations, were evaluated at different levels (5?C40 g L^?1, and at ?? _r = 2.5?C5.0 %, respectively), and their effects on biomass formation, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, and surface tension reduction (STR) were studied. When the fermentation process was carried out under non-optimised conditions, the biomass, MIC, and STR achieved the following values: 0.6 g L^?1, 1 g L^?1, and 18.4 mN m^?1, respectively. The optimum glucose (16 g L^?1) and inoculum volume ratio (?? _r = 5.0 %) were defined in order to maximise the biomass formation, with a low value of MIC and high STR of extract. The experiments carried out under optimal conditions showed the following values for the dependent variables: biomass concentration 2.05 g L^?1, MIC 31.2 ??g mL^?1, and STR 10.7 mN m^?1, which represented improvement of 241.7 %, 96.9 %, and 41.9 % for the responses of biomass, MIC, and STR, respectively. This is the first recorded study on the optimisation of culture conditions for the production of antimicrobial metabolites of P. polymyxa RNC-D, and constitutes an important step in the development of strategies to modulate the production of antimicrobial molecules by this microorganism at elevated levels.     

Glassy carbon electrode modified with a film composed of Ni(II), quercetin and graphene for enzyme-less sensing of glucose

We present a modified glassy carbon electrode as a sensing platform for glucose. It is based on a composite film prepared from Ni(II) ion, quercetin and graphene. The sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. The electron transfer coefficient, reaction rate constant and catalytic rate constant were determined and found to be 0.53, 5.4?s^?1 and 2.93?×?10³?M^?1 s^?1, respectively. The catalytic current depends linearly on the concentration of glucose in the range from 3 to 900???M, with a detection limit of 0.5???M (at an S/R of 3). The sensor exhibits good reproducibility, stability, fast response, and high sensitivity.

Ultrasonic Solution Degradations of Poly(Alkyl Methacrylates)

Ultrasonic (70 W, 20 kHz) solution (2%) degradations of poly(alkyl methacrylates) have been carried out in toluene at 27°C and in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at -20°C. M_w and M_n of all polymers (before and after sonification) were computed from GPC. Irrespective of the alkyl substituent, M_w decreased rapidly at first and then slowly approached limiting values. All M_w/M_n ratios were in the vicinity of 1.5 at the limiting chain lengths. For identical M_n, the rate constants k were (4.2 ± 2.0) × 10^?6 min^?1 in toluene at 27°C and (5.4 ± 2.0) × 10^?6 min^?1 in THF at -20°C. For poly(isopropyl methacrylate) and poly(octadecyl methacrylate) with higher, but identical, M_n,0, k values were higher ((9.0 ± 1.0) × 10^?6 min^?1 at 27°C and (18.0 ± 1.5) × 10^?6 min^?1 at -20°C). This suggests that M_n,0 and not the bulk size of the alkyl substituents is the factor that determines the rate of degradation. Lowering of the temperature accelerates degradation due primarily to lower chain mobility of poly-(alkyl methacrylates) and enhanced cavitation. The average number of chain scissions ([(M_n)₀/(M_n)_t] - 1) calculated from component degradation data are much higher than those obtained with overall M_n,t values.     

Ferricenium salts as true substrates of glucose oxidase

The steady-state kinetics of D-glucose oxidation by ferricenium dyes RFc⁺PF₆ ^- (R = H, Me, Et, n-Bu, MeCH₂CMe₂, and Cl) and 1,1′-Et₂Fc+PF₆-catalyzed by glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger was investigated as a function of RFc⁺ and D-glucose concentrations at pH 6.7, 25°C in the presence of 2% (v/v) Triton X-100. The enzymatic bleaching is characterized by large steady-state portions on the kinetic curves for all ferricenium ions studied. The reaction follows the MichaelisMenten kinetics demonstrating a high affinity of RFc⁺ toward the active site of reduced glucose oxidase (GO). The reaction rate is weakly sensitive to the nature of RFc⁺, and the apparent V_m(app) values decrease only twofold on going from the most to the least reactive salt in the series (l,l′-Et₂Fc⁺ and CIFc⁺, respectively), although their observed redox potentials differ by 160 mV. Remarkably, the reactivity of RFc⁺ does not increase with increasing their oxidative power. The apparent Michaelis constants K_m(app) are also weakly sensitive to the nature of RFc⁺. The profiles for the steady-state rate vs [HFc⁺] and [D-glucose] were rationalized in terms of the “ping-pong” mechanism typical of the catalysis by GO. Ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FcCOOH) appeared to be a competitive inhibitor of GO with the inhibition constant of (3 ±1) x 10-³M. The pH profile for the ferricenium fading is bell-shaped with the optimum around 7.5. A simple routine for a rapid in situ preparation of the ferricenium dye, which is ready for spectrophotometric assaying of the GO activity, is presented. The apparent V_m(app) and K_m(app) values for this substrate are similar to those for HFc⁺PF₆.     

Liquid Chromatographic Analysis of Arabinosylcytosin and 1-β-D-Arabinofuranosyluracil in Treatment with Cyclophosphamide and Pirarubicin

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) method has been developed for determination of arabinosylcytosin (Ara-C) and its metabolite 1-β-D-arabinofuranosyluracil (Ara-U) on a 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle, Diamonsil C₁₈ column. The mobile phase was a mixture of 5% methanol and 95% 10 mmol L⁻¹ phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 5.5. The flow-rate was 1.0 mL min⁻¹ and the injection volume 20 μL. Eluting compounds were detected at 270 nm by use of an ultraviolet detector. Under these LC conditions cyclophosphamide (CTX) and pirarubicin (THP), two other medicines given with Ara-C in clinical treatment, do not interfere with measurement of Ara-C and Ara-U. Individual calibration plots of peak area against concentration generated from analysis of standard solutions were used to calculate the concentrations of Ara-C and Ara-U in sample solutions. The calibration plot was linear in the range 2.5–100 μg mL⁻¹, the average recovery of Ara-C and Ara-U was more than 98% (RSD < 2.5%), and between-day and within-day precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), were below 4.0%. LOQ for both Ara-C and Ara-U was 2 μg mL⁻¹. The method is rapid, simple, accurate and reproducible, and especially useful for application to patient samples.     

Mediated glucose biosensor based on polyvinylferrocene

Polyvinylferrocene (PVF) was electrochemically deposited on platinum and carbon electrodes to form a stable and resilient film. During cyclic voltammetry in phosphate buffer, the PVF film deposited on carbon electrodes exhibited anodic and cathodic peaks at 214 and 68 mV, respectively. Both types of electrodes, bearing electrodeposited PVF and crosslinked glucose oxidase, were responsive to glucose, but the carbon electrode appeared to provide a faster response and could determine glucose between 0.1 and 8 mM. When protected by a layer of polymer electrochemically formed from resorcinol and phenylenediamine, the mediated biosensors based on PVF-deposited carbon electrodes were capable of determining glucose up to 25 mM with a response time of 1 min, for at least 50 repeated analyses with good reproducibility. The presence of ambient oxygen, ascorbic acid (0.1 mM), and uric acid (0.5 mM) did not affect their performance. When applied for the determination of the glucose level in reconstituted human serum, the results agreed well with those of the reference hexokinase assay.     

Application of Ni(II)-imprinted cross-linked poly(methacrylic acid) synthesised through double-imprinting method for the on-line preconcentration of Ni(II) ions in aqueous media

The present paper describes the feasibility of on-line preconcentration of nickel ions from aqueous medium on Ni(II)-imprinted cross-linked poly(methacrylic acid) (IIP) synthesised through a double-imprinting method and their subsequent determination by FAAS. The proposed method consisted in loading the sample (20.0 mL, pH 7.25) through a mini-column packed with 50 mg of the IIP for 2 min. The elution step was performed with 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ at a flow rate of 7.0 mL min^?1. The following parameters were obtained: quantification limit (QL) – 3.74 µg L^?1, preconcentration factor (PF) – 36, consumption index (CI) – 0.55 mL, concentration efficiency (CE) – 18 min^?1, and sample throughput – 25 h^?1. The precision of the procedure assessed in terms of repeatability for ten determinations was 5.6% and 2.5% for respective concentrations of 5.0 and 110.0 µg L^?1. Moreover, the analytical curve was obtained in the range of 5.0–180.0 µg L^?1 (r = 0.9973), and a 1.64-fold increase in the method sensitivity was observed when compared with the analytical curve constructed for the NIP (non-imprinted polymer), thus suggesting a synergistic effect of the Ni(II) ions and CTAB on the adsorption properties of the IIP. The practical application of the adsorbent was evaluated from an analysis of tap, mineral, lake and river water. Considering the results of addition and recovery experiments (90.2–100 %), the efficiency of this adsorbent can be ensured for the interference-free preconcentration of the Ni(II) ions.     

Direct potentiometric titration of thiosulfate,thiourea, and ascorbic acid with lodate using an iodide ion-selective electrode

A potentiometric method has been developed for the semi-automatic direct titration of thiourea, thiosulfate, and ascorbic acid with potassium iodate in strongly acidic solutions using an iodide ion-selective electrode to monitor the reaction and locate the endpoint. The method is simple, fast, precise, and accurate. Amounts ranging from 0.15–1.5 mg of thiourea (3.9 × 10^?4–3.9 × 10^?3, M), 0.3–3.0 mg of thiosulfate (5.4 × 10^?4–5.4 × 10^?3, M), and 0.5–5.0 mg of ascorbic acid (5.7 × 10^?4–5.7 × 10^?3, M) have been determined with an average error of about 1%. The method has been applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in tablets. Results checked closely with those obtained with a standard titrimetric method.     

Direct electrochemistry and electrochemical biosensing of glucose oxidase based on CdSe@CdS quantum dots and MWNT-modified electrode

The direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase (GOx) was achieved based on the immobilization of CdSe@CdS quantum dots on glassy carbon electrode by multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)-chitosan (Chit) film. The immobilized GOx displayed a pair of well-defined and reversible redox peaks with a formal potential (E ^θ’) of ?0.459 V (versus Ag/AgCl) in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (k _s) of GOx confined in MWNTs-Chit/CdSe@CdS membrane were evaluated as 1.56 s^?1 according to Laviron's equation. The surface concentration (Γ*) of the electroactive GOx in the MWNTs-Chit film was estimated to be (6.52?±?0.01)?×?10^?11?mol?cm^?2. Meanwhile, the catalytic ability of GOx toward the oxidation of glucose was studied. Its apparent Michaelis–Menten constant for glucose was 0.46?±?0.01 mM, showing a good affinity. The linear range for glucose determination was from 1.6?×?10^?4 to 5.6?×?10^?3?M with a relatively high sensitivity of 31.13?±?0.02 μA?mM^?1?cm^?2 and a detection limit of 2.5?×?10^?5?M (S/N=3).     

Immobilization of Aspergillus nidulans SU04 cellulase on modified activated carbon

The present study deals with the immobilization of Aspergillus nidulans SU04 cellulase onto modified activated carbon (MAC). The effect of contact time, cellulase concentration, MAC dosage, and temperature for maximum immobilization percentage and immobilization capacity is investigated. The equilibrium nature of immobilization is described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The kinetic data were tested using the pseudo first order. The activation energy of immobilization was evaluated to be 11.78?J?mol^?1. Results of the thermodynamic investigation indicate the spontaneity (?G <0), slightly endothermic (?H >0), and irreversible (?S >0) nature of the sorption process. Entropy and enthalpy were found to be 41.32 J?mol^?1?mg^?1 and 10.99?kJ?mol^?1, respectively. The Gibbs free energy was found to be ?22.79?kJ?mol^?1. At 80?rpm, 323?K, 2?h, 5?mg of MAC, immobilization capacity was 4.935?mg cellulase per mg of MAC from an initial cellulase concentration of 16?mg?ml^?1 with retention of 70% of native cellulase activity up to 10 cycles of batch hydrolysis experiments. The diffusion studies that were carried out revealed the reaction rate as ??mol?min^?1. At optimized conditions, immobilized cellulase had a higher Michaelis?CMenten constant, K _m of 1.52?mmol and a lower reaction rate, V _max of 42.2???mol?min^?1, compared with the free cellulase, the K _m and V _max values of which were 0.52?mmol and 18.9???mol?min^?1, respectively, indicating the affinity of cellulase for MAC matrix.     

Effective immobilisation of lipase to enhance esterification potential and reusability

A commercial lipase, “Lipolase T100”, was immobilised onto silica by means of physical adsorption. The silica-bound lipase was subsequently exposed to 1 vol. % glutaraldehyde (pentane-1,5-dial). The silica was loaded repeatedly with the Lipolase T100 in 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 8.5) until saturation was achieved. During the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th cycles of loading of silica with the enzyme, the protein-binding on the silica achieved 51.73 %, 48.27 %, 26.92 %, 10.73 %, and 4.29 %, respectively. The synthesis of methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate) and linalyl ferulate (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamate) carried out at 45°C under shaking with mole ratios of 200 mM of acid and 500 mM alcohol in DMSO using 15 mg mL^?1 of hyper-activated biocatalyst resulted in yield(s) of 77.2 % of methyl salicylate and 65.3 % of linalyl ferulate in the presence of molecular sieves. The hyper-activated biocatalyst was more efficient than the previously reported silica-bound lipase with minimum leaching of the enzyme from the reaction mixture. The K _m and V _max of the free (0.142 mM and 38.31 μmol min^?1 mL^?1, respectively) and silica-bound lipase (0.043 mM and 26.32 μmol min^?1 mg^?1, respectively) were determined for the hydrolysis of p-NPP. During repeated esterification studies using silica-bound lipase, yields of 50.1 % of methyl salicylate after the 5th cycle, and 53.9 % of linalyl ferulate after the 7th cycle of esterification were recorded. In the presence of molecular sieves (30 mg mL^?1) in the reaction mixture, the maximum syntheses of methyl salicylate (77.2 %) and linalyl ferulate (65.3 %) were also observed. In a volumetric batch scale-up, when the reaction volume was increased to 50 mL, 44.9 % and 31.4 % yields of methyl salicylate and linalyl ferulate, respectively, were achieved.