Plasma modified polymers as a support for enzyme immobilization - II. Amines plasma

Polysulfone films were modified by ammonia, n-butylamine and allylamine remote plasma using various sample-to-plasma distances. Contact angle measurements, FTIR-ATR and XPS spectroscopy proved the presence of polar, including amine, groups on the modified surface. Presence of argon in the plasma environment made the plasma more stable and in most cases left the surface more hydrophilic but with a lower amount of nitrogen moieties on it. Glucose isomerase was successfully immobilized on the plasma-treated samples. Its activity correlates well with the concentration of C-N bonds on the surface. The highest enzyme activity was achieved for samples treated with allylamine/Ar plasma close to the plasma edge. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.