The design, construction, and characterization of a prototype-regenerable glucose biosensor based on the reversible immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) using cellulose binding domain (CBD) technology is described. GOx, chemically linked to CBD, is immobilized by binding to a cellulose matrix on the sensor-indicating electode. Enzyme immobilization can be reversed by perfusing the cellulose matrix with a suitable eluting solution. An autocavable sensor membrane system is employed which is shown to be practical for use in real microbial fermentations. The prototype glucose biosensor was used without failure or deterioration during fed-batch fermentations of Escherichia coli reaching a maximum cell density of 85 g (dry weight)/L. Medium glucose concentration based on sensor output correlated closely with off-line glucose analysis and was controlled manually at 0.44 +/- 0.2 g/L for 2 h based on glucose sensor output. The sensor enzyme component could be eluted and replaced without interrupting the fermentation. To our knowledge, no other in situ biosensor has been used for such an extended period of time in such a high-cell-density fermentation.

The application of enzyme-based biosensors for on-line bioprocess monitoring and control has been slowed by problems relating to the in situ sterilizability of the probe and the stability of the enzyme component. A novel technology with the potential to address both of these difficulties is presented here. The approach is based on the reversible immobilization of enzymes conjugated with the cellulose binding domain (CBD) of cellulases from Cellulomonas fimi. A regenerable biosensor electrode can be configured with a cellulose matrix onto which the enzyme-CBD conjugate can be repeatedly loaded (bound by the CBD) and subsequently eluted by perfusing the cellulose matrix with the appropriate solution. Glucose oxidase (GOx) conjugated to CBD with glutaraldehyde was used in an experimental glucose biosensor to demonstrate the feasibility of multiple cycles of loading and elution of the conjugate. Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics provided an empirical model for the calibration of the experimental biosensor. The development of a computer-controlled prototype glucose biosensor and a fermentation monitoring system based on this approach is discussed.

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