Investigation of Oxidoreductase Enzyme Catalysis in Water-Ionic Liquid (IL) Solvent Mixtures

Abstract

The stability and catalytic action of glucose oxidase has been investigated in different water-butyl-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM(BF₄)) mixtures. A flat amperometric measurement cell was fabricated embedding silver and platinum wires in dental cement. The rate of the enzyme catalyzed reaction was observed amperometrically detecting the hydrogen peroxide produced in the enzyme catalyzed reaction. The arrangement used allowed to carry out one measurement in reaction media volume as small as 12 μl. The rate of the enzyme catalyzed reaction decreased by increasing the BMIM(BF₄) content of the solvent. The half life of the enzyme, however, was found longer in BMIM(BF₄) containing media measured at different temperatures than in aqueous buffer.

Keywords:

• Amperometry
• Butyl-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM(BF₄))
• Enzyme activity
• Ionic liquids
• Micro size measurement cell

This article was submitted as part of a Special Memorial Issue honoring Prof. George G. Guilbault.