Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Glucose Mutarotation by Using a Portable Personal Blood Glucose Meter

A thermodynamic and kinetic study of the mutarotation reaction of D-glucose in aqueous solution was carried out using a portable personal blood glucose meter. This physical chemical experiment is proposed as an alternative to classical polarimetry. The glucose meter allows the indirect monitoring of the mutarotation process in water, by using an enzymatic redox reaction. The test strips of the glucose meter contain glucose dehydrogenase which converts beta-D-glucose into D-glucolactone. This reaction selectively converts glucose and generates an electrical current in the glucose meter which is proportional to the glucose concentration. This experiment allows the teacher to explore the kinetics and thermodynamics of the mutarotation of D-glucose and, moreover, the stereospecificity of enzymatic reactions.