Functionalized electrospun mats from styrene–maleic anhydride copolymers for immobilization of acetylcholinesterase

A series of electrospun mats of styrene–maleic anhydride copolymers has been functionalized by modification with two types of spacers – a polymer with a flexible hydrophilic polyether chain (Jeffamine® ED) and a rigid low-molecular-weight spacer (р-phenylenediamine). The successful modification of the microfibrous mats with these bifunctional compounds has been proved by ATR-FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. In a further step, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been covalently immobilized onto the modified mats using glutaraldehyde as a binding agent. The amount of bound protein and the specific activity of the immobilized AChE have been determined. The highest activity has been displayed by AChE covalently bound to Jeffamine-modified microfibrous mats. Moreover, the immobilized AChE is characterized by enhanced thermal and storage stability as compared to the free enzyme.