Graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto cellulose filter paper (CFP) was carried out by a free-radical initiating process using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as an initiator. Optimum conditions pertaining to different grafting percentages were evaluated as a function of monomer and initiator concentrations, polymerization time and temperature. CFP with various graft levels of GMA was characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphology of ungrafted and grafted CFP was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-FTIR spectral analysis provided the evidence of grafting of GMA onto CFP. The maximum grafting of 102% was achieved by using 4 X 10(-3) molL(-1) CAN and 5% of GMA (w/v) monomer at 60 degrees C in 25 min. The CFP-g-GMA surfaces with different graft levels were evaluated as a support for immobilization of biomolecules. Urease was selected as the model enzyme to be covalently Coupled through the surface epoxy groups of the CFP-g-GMA discs. Immobilized discs were further studied for urea estimation and their reusability. Although the highest degree of urease immobilization was observed at 100% (162-mu g urease/disc) graft level, the Urease immobilized on discs with 70% (105-mu g urease/disc) graft level gave the maximum activity, of the enzyme. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 1381-1390, 2009