Enzymatic activity of oxalate oxidase and kinetic measurements by optical methods in transparent sol-gel monoliths

Novel synthetic techniques are used for the encapsulation of the enzymes oxalate oxidase and peroxidase in stable, optically transparent porous silica glass matrices. The large enzymes are fully immobilized in the porous glass but small molecules such as oxalate ions pass readily through the pores in the glass. The enzymes catalyze the reactions leading to the formation of a colored dye product. Upon exposure of the doped glass to oxalate solutions, a colored glass is formed. The absorption spectrum of the colored product and the changes of absorbance with time are measured within the glass matrix. The sensitivity and the time-dependence of the response are discussed.