Volume 21 (2008) Issue 2 Pages 251-256
The ePTFE-g-PAAc films that were able to supply the insulin of the diabetic medicine near the human blood pH value were prepared by the combined use of oxygen plasma treatment and AAc photografting at lowered photo-polymerization temperatures compared with the previous report [1-3].
Two enzymes, GOD and Catalase, were immobilized in the ePTFE-g-PAAc films with the same condensation method as before [1-3]. Although the ePTFE-g-PAAc-i-GOD&Catalase films prepared from AAc-grafting at 60°C were permeable to insulin molecules in a buffer solution of pH 7.40, the ePTFE-g- PAAc-i-GOD&Catalase films prepared at 40 °C considerably obstructed the passage of the insulin molecules. Addition of glucose to the solution leading to the lowering pH level facilitated the permeation of the insulin molecules through the ePTFE-g-PAAc-i- GOD&Catalase films. The immobilization of the enzymes was also confirmed by IR-ATR and SEM.