LAUSR

Abstract This study integrates the advantages of biomimetic characteristics of phospholipid bilayer and convective flow through microporous membrane within the same configuration and reports the development of novel biofunctionalized membranes by incorporating phospholipid bilayer within membrane pores for efficient enzymatic catalysis. Two different approaches were used for membrane functionalization – (i) direct deposition of lipid bilayer within bare membrane pores, and (ii) immobilization of a polymer cushion prior to lipid bilayer within membrane pores. As a model enzyme, glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized into the phospholipid bilayer network within the functionalized membrane pores. In-depth activity study was conducted with different GOx-functionalized membranes while monitoring the production of H 2 O 2 by oxidation of glucose. Biofunctionalized membrane, containing polymer cushion supported phospholipid bilayer and operating under convective mode of flow, exhibited important advancements in the field of immobilized enzymatic catalysis in terms of activity, stability and operating range of pH. Comparison of the results obtained in this study with other literature reported results establish the benefits of the biofunctionalized membrane discussed here. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that investigates the advantages of incorporation of phospholipid bilayer within membrane pores for immobilized enzymatic catalysis.