Biochemical Pump with Enzymatic Reaction

Abstract

A biochemo-mechanical pump was constructed with funnel type glass tubes and an enzyme membrane, immobilized catalase onto single-side of dialysis membrane. By applying hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) solution into non-enzyme immobilized side tube, the pressure in another tube increased rapidly. Namely, an active transportation of H₂O₂ by the asymmetric enzyme membrane from the funnel area to the tube induced the increase in the tube pressure (max.: 5000 Pa), thus resulting in buffer discharge with non-pulsating and low flow rate. The output pressure was linearly related to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide over a range of 11.8 to 123.6 mmol/l, with good reproducibility.