Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Kamatchi Devi S and Dr. S Shanmugasundaram

Abstract:
The main objective of this work is to conduct optimization studies for preparation of potato starch based hydrogels to act as a matrix for screen-printed electrodes in biosensors. In this study, starch hydrogel cross-linked with citric acid (SHCC) at different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and citric acid modified porous starch hydrogel (CAM-PSH) were prepared and were characterized based on thickness (t), apparent density (AD), moisture content, swelling ratio (SR), and water uptake capacity (WUC). SEM analysis, EDX, and FTIR studies were conducted to study the morphological properties of porous starch hydrogels and to study the influence of citric acid modification on the porous starch hydrogels. The thickness and apparent density of CAM-PSH and SHCC samples had no significant difference. However, the moisture content, swelling ratio, and WUC of CAM-PSH were found to be higher compared to the SHCC. From the SEM analysis, it is evident that the CAM-PSH matrix has better porous space which is suitable for the immobilization of the enzymes. FTIR studies shows good binding of CAM-PSH to the screen printed electrodes. From these studies, it was optimized that CAM-PSH can be used as an immobilizing matrix for enzymes in biosensor applications.