Utilization of enzyme-substrate interactions in analytical chemistry

Enzymes are capable of a highly specific interaction with a variety of subs tances including their respective substrates. This review summarizes how su ch interactions may be used in analytical (bio-)chemistry, e.g., for the el ucidation of the binding mechanism, the determination of the binding streng th, the carting of the binding site, or the screening of possible substrate /inhibitor molecules. Possible assay formats such as analytical affinity ch romatography, affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE), conventional affini ty gel electrophoresis (AEP), and related techniques are discussed together with examples of recent applications. In addition a brief section on enzym e-substrate reactions as tools in analytical chemistry is included, since t hese are perhaps even more important to analytical (bio-)chemistry. The dev elopment and application of bioanalytical systems and especially biosensors in various fields including medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, defense and foodstuffs are considered. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.