Matrix entrapment of glucose oxidase by gamma irradiation.

In this study, matrix entrapment of the enzyme glucose oxidase was achieved through gamma irradiation of monomers N-vinyl pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and their mixture. To test the effect of radiation on entrapment efficiency, retention of activities and properties of the system, duration and temperature were varied. The reusability of the resultant products was tested. It was generally found that inclusion of the hydrophilic monomer N-vinyl pyrrolidone into the matrix increased the water content, entrapment efficiency and enzyme activity. gamma irradiation did not have a detrimental effect on the activity of pure enzyme when exposure was at -196 degrees C, but this radioresistance was less at higher temperatures. Infrared spectroscopy indicated that there was no chemical binding between the matrix and the enzyme. Repeated use studies revealed a gradual loss of activity in all of the samples tested for 10 runs.