Mechanism of the Amperometric Response of a Proposed Glucose Sensor Based on aPolypyrrole-Tubule-Impregnated Membrane

摘要

Nolte et al recently proposed a new type of amperometric glucose sensor. Thissensor is based on a microporous membrane that contains polypyrrole tubules within the pores of the membrane. The procedure for preparing these polypyrrole tubules was developed in this laboratory. Nolte et al claim that glucose oxidase can be irreversible adsorbed to the inside walls of these polypyrrole tubules and that the resulting device functions as a glucose sensor. Indeed, they claim that this device functions via direct electron transfer from the reduced enzyme to the polypyrrole tubule. We have recently explored the response characteristics of this proposed new sensor. Our results suggest that this sensor does not function in the manner proposed by Nolte et al. Instead, our results indicate that the device operates by direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose at the metal (Pt) film that is coated onto one face of the membrane. This is proven by the fact that the sensitivity of the device is improved when polypyrrole and glucose oxidase are not present in the membrane. Glucose biosensor, Template synthesis, Polypyrrole.