RESUMO
Peroxidase was extracted from a natural source (turnip) and irradiated with 60Co (0.1 kGy). It was then used in the construction of biosensors for hydrogen peroxide determination, in order to study the effect of the gamma irradiation on the performance of the biosensors. The biosensors were constructed using two immobilization procedures: cross-linking with glutaraldehyde and covalent binding through carbodiimide. The biosensor prepared using covalent binding through carbodiimide showed a higher sensitivity for H2O2. A good enhancement in stability and sensitivity was obtained for the biosensors from irradiated material, when compared to biosensors prepared with non-irradiated enzyme. However, the initial linear response range (1.0 to 10.0 mmol dm-3) and response time (0.5 s) were equal with or without irradiation.
