SWELLING BEHAVIOR OF GLUCOSE SENSITIVE MEMBRANES.

Abstract

Polymers which are sensitive to their environment may be useful as metabolic sensors. Because of the great need for a glucose sensor which could be used in vivo to enhance treatment of diabetics, we are developing membranes responsive to glucose by incorporating glucose oxidase into amine-containing polymers. The conversion of glucose into gluconic acid in the membrane causes increased protonation of the membrane, resulting in increased membrane swelling. This paper describes the preparation and swelling properties of glucose sensitive membranes of this type.