The Polymer Society of Korea

이재용 (경북대학교)

김종호 (경북대학교)

Enzyme detection is important for assessing the state of biological systems. However, direct detection of enzymes typically requires additional processes such as labeling or immobilization. To address these limitations, indirect sensing strategies based on enzyme reaction products have been proposed. Among enzymes, nitrilase is an adaptive enzyme induced by toxic nitrile exposure and serves as an early biological indicator of nitrile-associated chemical stress.

In this study, a donor–acceptor-type conjugated polymer was applied to a conductivity-based platform for nitrilase detection. A laminated architecture was designed in which a nitrile-containing polymer layer served as an enzyme reaction substrate. Nitrilase activity on this substrate generated ammonium ions, which were subsequently transferred to the conjugated polymer layer. As a result, clear changes in electrical conductivity were confirmed through an n-doping process between the conjugated polymer and ammonium ions.