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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2009  > August  >
In the Laboratory
Crystallization of β-D-Glucose and Analysis with a Simple Glucose Biosensor
Michael A. Teruel and Daniel M. Jenkins
Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822

José I. Reyes-de-Corcuera
Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850

Cover
August 2009
Vol. 86 No. 8
p. 959

Abstract
A simple method to crystallize β-D-glucose using reagents and equipment common to any chemistry laboratory is described. The crystals are analyzed with a glucose electrode prepared by entrapping glucose oxidase in a poly-ortho-phenylenediamine film on a platinized working electrode. Mutarotation between α and β anomers of the sugar results in continuous changes in current until equilibrium is reached. Since the electrode is selective to the β anomer, dissolution of β-D-glucose crystals results in an observable overshoot of the equilibrium current value, and dissolution of α-D-glucose crystals initially results in little or no current. The lab is targeted to first-year college students, some of whom have little or no science training. Analysis of student data indicates that the D-glucose crystallized in the lab was almost purely in the β conformation.
Supplement
Student handouts; Instructor notes
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Contents
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Citation
Teruel, Michael A.; Jenkins, Daniel M.; Reyes de Corcuera, José I. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 959.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Bioanalytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Carbohydrates; Chemical Engineering; Electrochemistry; Enzymes; Equilibrium; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Kinetics; Laboratory Computing / Interfacing; Laboratory Instruction; Organic Chemistry; Polymer Chemistry; Quantitative Analysis; Second-Year Undergraduate; Stereochemistry
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/16/2009
6/30/2009
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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