Polyaniline synthesis catalysed by glucose oxidase

A novel method for synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) in aqueous media based on application of oxidizing-enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) is reported. Hydrogen peroxide was produced during catalytic reaction of oxidizing-enzyme glucose oxidase from Penicillium vitale and initiated the polymerization of aniline. The increase in optical absorbance in the range of 340-700 nm was exploited for the monitoring of PANI polymerization process. The role of GOx in the formation of PANI, influence of the initial concentrations of GOx, and glucose and aniline monomer on the aniline polymerization rate was studied. The study of pH influence on polymerization rate showed that PANI polymerization was occurring in a broad pH range from the pH 2.0 to 9.0. Optimal polymerization/oligomerization temperature was found to be at 37 degrees C, which is also optimal for GOx-catalysed enzymatic reaction. After 10 days of continuous GOx-catalysed polymerization PANI appeared as colloid-microparticles visible by an optical microscope. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.