Vectorial product concentration obtained with a permeable immobilized enzyme membrane. A new approach to the analysis of biological transport systems.

The theoretical analysis of the distribution on both sides of a flat porous membrane of the product generated by an enzyme covalently bound only on to one side of the membrane separating two compartments of widely different volumes is presented. Contrary to what occurs with heterogeneous symmetric systems, the diffusional limitations at the enzyme level play a prominent role, not only on the apparent enzyme activity, but also on product flux-splitting. The mathematical model developed shows that it is possible to concentrate the reaction product in the compartment opposite to that where the reaction occurs. The influence of the parameters and of the physical characteristics of an asymmetrical system on product distribution is analysed. This theoretical analysis is in excellent agreement with experimental data obtained with glucose oxidase immobilized on a porous collagen membrane.