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A fluorescent polymer of 2-naphthol is prepared using the oxidative enzyme horseradish peroxidase encapsulated in the microstructured system of AOT/isooctane reversed micelles. The monomer, being amphiphilic, partitions to the oil−water interface with the hydroxyl moieties directed toward the microaqueous core. The enzyme is encapsulated in the water core. The precipitated polymer of naphthol has the morphology of single and interconnected microspheres and is soluble in a range of polar and nonpolar organic solvents. Poly(2-naphthol) shows a fluorescence characteristic of the naphthol chromophore and an additional well-resolved fluorescence attributed to an extended quinonoid structure attached to the polymer backbone. Further evidence of the quinonoid structure is obtained through UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Characteristics of the synthesis and structure of poly(2-naphthol) are compared with those of a less fluorescent polymer, poly(4-ethylphenol).

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A molecular assembly in which a conjugated polymer is interfaced with a photodynamic protein is described. The conjugated polymer, functionalized with biotion, is designed such that it can be physisorbed on or chemically grown off a glass surface. The streptavidin-derivatized protein is immobilized on the biotinylated polymer matrix through the strong biotin-streptavidin interactions. The assembly, built on the surface of an optical fiber or on the inside walls of a glass capillary, forms an integral part of a biosensor for the detection of environmental pollutants such as organophosphorus-based insecticides. The Protein in the system can be replaced by any biological macromolecule of interest. We study one specific case, the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. The enzyme catalyzes a reaction producing an intermediate compound that chemiluminesces, and the chemiluminescence singnal is monitored to detect and quantify insecticides such as paraoxon and methyl parathion. Preliminary results indicate ppb level detection with response time less than 1 minute. (c) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.