Size-selective diffusion in nanoporous alumina membranes for a glucose affinity sensor

The retention, diffusion and structural properties of 2–4 nm nanoporous alumina membranes were investigated in view of their integration as size-selective interface in a glucose sensor. These membranes exhibit remarkable glucose diffusion properties with only a 5-fold reduction compared to free diffusion in water. The retention of the glucose-binding protein (Concanavalin A), which is characterized by a hydrodynamic radius of only 3.3 nm, was almost complete during at least 35 days. This high selectivity was also confirmed by SEM picture analysis showing a highly uniform pore size distribution. Finally, the glucose sensor including a nanoporous membrane as size-selective interface was able to measure glucose levels in physiological solution during 25 days, which confirms that annealed alumina membranes are well suited for size-selective interface of biosensors.

► We investigated the properties of 2–4 nm nanoporous alumina membranes.
► The very thin active layer of the membrane gives remarkable diffusion properties.
► An almost complete retention of Concanavalin A was achieved for up to 35 days.
► SEM analysis confirms that the pore size distribution is highly uniform.
► The nanoporous membrane was successfully used in an affinity glucose sensor.