Immobilization of proteins onto novel, reactive polypyrrole-coated polystyrene latex particles

Polypyrrole-coated polystyrene latex particles bearing reactive N-ester succinimidyl functional groups (PS–PPyNSE) were prepared by the in situ copolymerization of pyrrole (Py) and the ester-functionalized pyrrole (pyrrole–NSE) in the presence of sterically stabilized polystyrene (PS) latex particles (∼600 nm). The initial comonomer fractions (in %) were 25/75, 40/60, 50/50, 75/25 and 85/15 for pyrrole–NSE and pyrrole, respectively. The PS–PPyNSE particles were characterized in terms of particle size, surface morphology and surface chemical composition. The reactivity of the particles towards ethylenediamine and human serum albumin (HSA) was examined by FTIR, which unambiguously indicated the formation of interfacial amide groups.