Biocomposites of covalently linked glucose oxidase on carbon nanotubes for glucose biosensor

The formation of covalently linked composites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and glucose oxidase (GOD) with high-function density for use as a biosensing interface is described. The reaction intermediates and the final product were characterized by using FT-IR spectroscopy, and the MWCNT-coated GOD nanocomposites were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Interestingly, it was found that the GOD-MWCNT composites are highly water soluble. Electrochemical characterization of the GOD-MWCNT composites that were modified on a glassy carbon electrode shows that the covalently linked GOD retains its bioactivity and can specifically catalyze the oxidation of glucose. The oxidation current shows a linear dependence on the glucose concentration in the solution in the range of 0.5-40 mM with a detection limit of 30 mu M and a detection sensitivity of 11.3 mu A/mMcm(2). The present method may provide a way to synthesize MWCNT related composites with other biomolecules and for the construction of enzymatic reaction-based biofuel cells and biosensors.