Encapsulation of Urease in Molybdenum Trioxide Sol-Gel

Abstract

ABSTRACTMolybdenum trioxide sol-gel matrices were tested for their ability to host biomaterials in their structures without adversely affecting the activity of the encapsulated biomolecules. The sol-gel composites were prepared at room temperature; the urease was added during the hydrolysis step to ensure proper encapsulation in the pore structure of the sol. Phosphate buffer solution was added during this stage to maintain the pH value of the sol in the bio-compatible range. The activity of incorporated urease was tested by exposing composite sol-gel material to standard urea test solutions and measuring the amount of gaseous ammonia (released by the reaction of urea with water in the presence of urease) using an ammonia electrode. The concentration of urea solutions ranged from 1mM to 10mM. An electronic olfactory system (EOS 835) was also employed to detect the presence of gaseous ammonia. Gas sensing tests were done to verify the sensitivity of the matrix to ammonia. Microstructural analysis was carried out by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that urease retained its activity inside molybdenum trioxide sol-gels that are sensitive to ammonia. These hybrid nanoporous composites are useful in the field of biosensors and fuel cells.