Glutaraldehyde in Protein Immobilization: A Versatile Reagent

The use of glutaraldehyde and supports containing primary amino groups is one of the most frequently used techniques for enzyme immobilization. However, glutaraldehyde is a very versatile reagent. Using low-ionic strength, the cationic nature of the surface permits the rapid ionic immobilization of the proteins. There are two different possibilities: (1) activate the support and immobilize the enzyme in a glutaraldehyde-activated support (in this case the immobilization is promoted by ionic exchange) or (2) adsorb the proteins on the aminated supports and treat the immobilized preparation with glutaraldehyde to cross-link both the enzyme and the support. Both alternatives have advantages and draw-backs that will be discussed on this chapter.