Modified Enzyme Communicates Directly with Metal Electrodes

Abstract

Chemists have modified the enzyme glucose oxidase in such a way that direct electrical communication can occur between the enzyme and metal electrodes. This is the first time that direct electron transfer between an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction reactions and a metal electrode has been demonstrated. The successful research effort opens up a new route to development of electrochemical and bioelectronic sensors. Specifically, the work on glucose oxidase may open a path to a biocompatible glucose sensor. Such a device could be used for continuous monitoring of the blood glucose level of diabetics. The research was performed by Adam Heller, head of the electronic materials research department at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, N.J., and Yinon Degani, a postdoctoral member of the staff at Bell Labs. Essentially, the scientists introduce electron relays into glucose oxidase that shuttle electrons from the reduced redox center of the enzyme to the metal electrode [ J. Phys. Chem. , ...