TECHNOLOGY FOR REGENERABLE BIOSENSOR PROBES BASED ON ENZYME CELLULOSE-BINDING DOMAIN CONJUGATES

The application of enzyme-based biosensors for on-line bioprocess monitoring and control has been slowed by problems relating to the in situ sterilizability of the probe and the stability of the enzyme component. A novel technology with the potential to address both of these difficulties is presented here, The approach is based on the reversible immobilization of enzymes conjugated with the cellulose binding domain (CBD) of cellulases from Cellulomonas fimi. A regenerable biosensor electrode can be configured with a cellulose matrix onto which the enzyme-CBD conjugate can be repeatedly loaded (bound by the CBD) and subsequently eluted by perfusing the cellulose matrix with the appropriate solution. Glucose oxidase (GOx) conjugated to CBD with glutaraldehyde was used in an experimental glucose biosensor to demonstrate the feasibility of multiple cycles of loading and elution of the conjugate. Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics provided an empirical model for the calibration of the experimental biosensor. The development of a computer-controlled prototype glucose biosensor and a fermentation monitoring system based on this approach is discussed.