Highly sensitive amperometric biosensor based on a biocompatible calcium phosphate cement.

Brushite is a biocompatible calcium phosphate mineral with properties of solid electrolyte. In this study we take advantage of this characteristic to develop an enzymatic amperometric biosensor based on brushite cement. The biosensor was prepared by immobilizing tyrosinase (PPO) on a brushite cement layer which was subsequently cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The system was optimized for the detection of phenolic compounds in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. Several variables involved in the enzyme immobilization method such as glutaraldehyde cross-linking time, PPO/brushite ratio and thickness of the brushite film were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of the pH, temperature and applied potential on the biosensor performance were also optimized. On the other hand, the biosensor analytical properties were studied in presence of different organic solvents: dioxane, acetonitrile and ethanol. In both, phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and acetonitrile/PBS solution, the biosensor exhibits a rapid response (12 s); a wide linear range (0.001-3 microM and 0.007-2 microM respectively); low detection limit (1 and 2 nM respectively); and high sensitivity (46.6 and 28.6 A M(-1) cm(-2) respectively). The performance of the biosensor in the analysis of phenols in real samples was successful.

Amperometric tyrosinase biosensor based on polyacrylamide microgels.

An amperometric enzyme sensor using tyrosinase (PPO) entrapped in polyacrylamide microgels has been developed for determination of phenolic compounds. Polyacrylamide microgels were obtained by the concentrated emulsion polymerization method. The crosslinking of the polymer matrix optimum to retain the enzyme and to allow the diffusion of the compounds involved in the enzyme reaction has been studied (4.0%) as well as the influence on the response of analytical parameters such as pH, temperature, enzyme load and working potential. The useful lifetime of the biosensor was 27 days and it was useful to determine monophenolics compounds (e.g. cresol, chlorophenol) and diphenolics compounds (e.g. catechol and dopamine) by amperometric measurements at -100mV (versus SCE) in a batch system. The results showed that the substrate structures have a great influence on the sensor response.

Biosensors based on acrylic microgels: a comparative study of immobilized glucose oxidase and tyrosinase.

Acrylic microgels are proposed as enzyme immobilizing support in amperometric biosensors. Two enzymes, glucose oxidase and tyrosinase, were entrapped in this matrix and their behaviour is compared. The optimum cross-linking of the polymeric matrix required to retain the enzyme, and to allow the diffusion of the substrate is different for each enzyme, 3.2% for glucose oxidase and 4.5% for tyrosinase. The effect of pH and temperature on the biosensor responses has been studied by experimental design methodology and predictions have been compared with independently performed experimental measurements. A quadratic effect of the variables studied (pH and T) on the biosensor response and the small or null interaction between them was confirmed. The pH results obtained with both methods are coincident revealing an reversible effect on the enzyme. However, the temperature optimum value obtained by experimental design was 10 degrees C lower as a result of an activity decay due to irreversible thermal denaturation of both enzymes.