Electrodeposition polymers as immobilization matrices in amperometric biosensors: improved polymer synthesis and biosensor fabrication

Electrodeposition polymers can be precipitated on electrode surfaces upon electrochemical-induced modulations of the pH value in the diffusion zone in front of the electrode. The formed polymer films can be used as immobilization matrices in amperometric biosensors. In order to rationally control the thus obtained biosensor properties, it is indispensable to develop strategies for the reproducible synthesis of electrodeposition polymers as well as methods for the non-manual and reproducible sensor fabrication. Based on instrumental developments such as a specifically designed parallel synthesizer with improved stirring and temperature control, an automatic pipetting robot for the preparation of the monomer mixtures and controlled removal of polymerization inhibitors, the reproducible synthesis of libraries of electrodeposition polymers was achieved. Moreover, the polymerization process could be monitored using in-line thermocouples, and it could be shown that the chosen strategies led to reproducible polymerization reactions. By adaptation of an electrochemical robotic system integrating a Au microtiter plate and automatic electrode cleaning by means of a polishing wheel reproducible biosensor fabrication using glucose oxidase as a model enzyme could be demonstrated. These results open the route for the rational development of biosensors and control of the sensor properties by choosing specifically designed electrodeposition polymers.      

Parallel synthesis of PNA-peptide conjugate libraries

An optimized semi-automatic protocol for parallel synthesis of up to 96 peptide nucleic acids (PNA) or PNA-peptide conjugates using Boc-protection strategy has been developed using a robotic system. The approach is illustrated by synthesizing PNA and PNA-peptide libraries varying between 15 and 27 amino acid units. The peptides (NLS (nuclear localization signal) or Tat-peptide) were attached to N-terminus of the PNA. The method was found to be far superior to that based on the SPOT/Fmoc protocol by which PNA oligomers are synthesized on a modified cellulose membrane. On a 0.5 micromole scale the method typically yielded 2 mg product of 90% purity by HPLC/MALDI-TOF analysis. This approach is suitable for screening of a large number of PNA and/or peptide sequences for biochemical and biological studies.     

Evidence for cathodic electrodeposition of radon species

Phase change effects on the total organic yield have been studied in crystalline chlorobenzene derivatives activated by radiative neutron capture. Irradiation of the compounds in benzene solution decreased the organic yield considerably while these values remained unchanged when 11 benzene + DMSO or 11 benzene + acetonitrile solvent mixtures were used, the 11 benzene + THF solvent gave the lowest yield in all the cases. Heat treatment to the neutron activated solids enhanced the organic yield only in the case of 2-amino 5-chlorobenzophenone by 7%.     

Catalytic electrooxidation of NADH for dehydrogenase amperometric biosensors

The developments in the techniques of NADH catalytic oxidation relevant for incorporation in amperometric biosensors with dehydrogenase enzymes are reviewed with special emphasis in the years following 1990. The review stresses the direct electro-catalytic methods of NAD⁺ recycling as opposed to enzymatic regeneration of the coenzyme. These developments are viewed and evaluated from a mechanistic perspective of recycling of NADH to enzymatically active NAD⁺, and from the point of view of development of technologically useful reagentless dehydrogenase biosensors. An effort is made to propose a method for the standardization of evaluation of new mediating and direct coenzyme recycling schemes. A perspective is given for the requirements that have to be met for successful biosensor development incorporating dehydrogenase enzymes that open the analytical possibilities to a number of new analytes. The intrinsic limitations of the system are finally discussed and a view of the future of the field is presented.     

Artificial electron donors for nitrate and nitrite reductases usable as mediators in amperometric biosensors

Various nitrate and nitrite reductases are capable of accepting electrons from artificial donors. Combining these redox active donors with an amperometric redox electrode which is covered with an immobilized layer of such a nitrate or nitrite reductase, new enzyme sensors can be created for the detection of nitrate or nitrite, respectively. A range of suitable electron donors for nitrate reductases and nitrite reductase from different sources have been selected and characterized by electrochemical methods.     

1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone as redox mediators for amperometric glucose biosensors

In this study, two ortho-quinoidal compounds, 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (PD) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ), were examined as electron transfer mediators suitable for amperometric glucose biosensors. The dependences of the electrochemical responses of PD- and PQ-based amperometric glucose biosensors on varied concentrations of glucose were investigated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The PD-modified graphite rod (GR) electrode revealed a current response seven times higher than that of the PQ-modified GR electrode. The reactivity indices of ortho-quinoidals assessed by means of B3LYP functional method applying 6-311G(D) basis set showed that the electron-accepting potency for PD was markedly higher as compared with that of PQ. Compared to PQ, considerably higher reactivity of PD has been defined in the reactions with NADP⁺-ferredoxin reductase (FNR, EC 1.18.1.2) as a model single-electron transfer FAD-dependent enzyme, which provided an additional evidence for PD as a more efficient mediator compared to PQ. This study illustrates that PD can be applied as a redox mediator for glucose oxidase and it could be more suitable for a reagent-less biosensor design than PQ.     

Potentialities of expanded natural graphite as a new transducer for NAD-dependent dehydrogenase amperometric biosensors

The present work deals with the use of the porous texture of expanded natural graphite (ENG) as transducer in order to design electrochemical biosensors. The sensing element is a NAD⁺-dependent dehydrogenase. An electrochemical pretreatment of the ENG is favorable because it allows on one hand generating functional surface groups that may act as mediators for NADH oxidation and, on the other hand, eliminating enzyme-toxic compounds. The electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH on the pretreated material leads to the formation of enzymatically active NAD⁺. However, some persistent problems, mainly related to enzyme instability, still hamper the development of the biosensors.     

Ferrocenyl and permethylferrocenyl cyclic and polyhedral siloxane polymers as mediators in amperometric biosensors

Cyclosiloxane and silsesquioxane-based ferrocenyl and permethylferrocenyl polymers have been used as mediators in amperometric enzyme electrodes for the detection of glucose. Biosensors have been prepared by electrostatically immobilizing the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) on electrodes modified with the polymers. The steady-state amperometric response of the sensors is investigated as a function of the applied potential and substrate concentration. The dependence of the sensors response on the structure of the siloxane-framework and on the presence or not of methyl groups on the ferrocenyl units is discussed.     

Liquid photopolymerizable compositions as immobilized matrix of biosensors

Series of liquid photopolymerizable compositions (LPhPC) based on oligouretanemetacrylate (OUM-1000T and OUM-2000T) and oligocarbonatemetacrylate (OCM-2), monomethacrylic ether of ethylene glycol and vinylpyrrolidone (VP) were tested. It was shown that the LPhPC, which contained VP (as basic hydrophylic matrix), OCM-2 (cross-linking agent) and OUM-2000T (to increase adsorption of polymer) was the most optimal. The blend contained 3 g/100 ml of enzyme. ISFET based biosensors for analysis of glucose and urea had the following characteristics: linear response in the range of concentrations 0.1-10 mmol/l, 0.05-20 mmol/l, angle of slope of concentration curve--30 mV/pC, 38 mV/pC, and response time of approximately 10-15, 5-10 min, correspondingly. The value of Km for immobilized urease and beta-glucose oxidase (GOD) achieved 0.85 and 3.1 mmol/l, respectively. It was established that under immobilization conditions at 20 degrees C the residual activity of GOD was about 35% from the initial level, the residual activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and urease was 42% and 20%, respectively. In case of an immobilization of GOD at -50 degrees C its residual activity reached almost 50% from the initial level. It was investigated how different sources of UV radiation and different substances (including specific and non-specific substrates) influenced stability of the enzymes in the LPhPC and in the prepared membrane at storage. Dynamics of changes of enzyme activity at the process of photo immobilization was characterized, and requirements for enzyme maximal storage were selected. The proposed LPhPC may be prepared in advance since enzymes do not lose their activity during 2 months. Therefore, two processes, i.e. manufacturing of a transducer and preparation of a biological membrane on its surface, can be combined in one. In order to achieve this, approaches of modern electronics, such as for example photolithography, can be used. The developed LPhPC is homogenous, non-active to biological substances, permeable for the analyzed sample, can be prepared using a simple immobilization procedure, and has a defined hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance and sufficient level of adhesion to transducer surfaces. These all cover the requirements to modern biosensors.     

Compact amperometric algal biosensors for the evaluation of water toxicity

Unicellular microalga Chlorella vulgaris was entrapped in an alginate gel or a polyion complex membrane immobilized directly on the surface of a transparent indium tin oxide electrode. Photosynthetically generated oxygen of the immobilized algae was monitored amperometically. Responses of the algal biosensor to four toxic compounds, 6-chloro-N-ethyl-N-isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (atrazine), 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-diethylurea (DCMU), toluene and benzene, were evaluated as inhibition ratios of the reduction current. The concentrations that give 50% inhibition of the oxygen reduction current (IC^′₅₀) for atrazine, DCMU, toluene and benzene were 2.0, 0.05, 1550 and 3000 μmol dm⁻³, respectively. There was a good correlation between these data and those of the conventional standard growth test. In comparison with the conventional algal biosensors based on the Clark-type oxygen electrode, the present sensor is much smaller and less expensive, and its assay time is much shorter (≤200 s).     

Wood cellulignin as an alternative matrix for enzyme immobilization

The objective of this work was to select an efficient methodology for preparing active samples of Candida rugosa lipase immobilized in wood cellulignin, to be applied in hydrolysis and ester reactions. For this purpose, lipase was immobilized in the matrix by physical adsorption (pure cellulignin) and covalent binding (activated cellulignin with glutaraldeyde or carbonyldiimidazole [CDI]) in the presence or absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (Molecular mass of 1500 Daltons) as stabilizing agent. The activating agent and the presence of PEG-1500 in the immobilization procedure showed a strong influence on enzyme retention in the support. The values for enzyme retention ranged from 20 to 68%, and the highest yield was obtained when the enzyme was immobilized in cellulignin activated with CDI in the presence of PEG-1500. This immobilized derivative presented high hydrolytic (193.27 μM/[mg·min]) and synthetic (522.92 μM/[g·min]) activities when compared with those obtained by other techniques. The superiority of this immobilized system was confirmed by additional analyses, such as infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis, which demonstrated an appropriate enzyme fixation and the highest level of protein incorporation in the support. Further information on the immobilized derivative was obtained by assessing the recycle potential in both aqueous and nonaqueous media.     

Simultaneous determination of creatine and creatinine using amperometric biosensors

In order to determine creatine and creatinine amperometric biosensors were proposed. A bienzymatic biosensor based on creatinase (CI) and sarcosine oxidase (SO) was used for the assay of creatine and a trienzymatic biosensor based on CI, SO and creatininase (CA) for the assay of creatinine. The linear concentration ranges are of pmol l⁻¹ to nmol l⁻¹ magnitude order, with very low limits of detection. The biosensors proved high reliability for determination of creatine and creatinine as raw material, and in the pharmaceutical formulation.     

Parallel synthesis and yeast growth inhibition screening of succinamic acid libraries

Libraries of succinamic acid derivatives resulting from the condensation of a series of succinic acid derivatives with amines are reported as putative khafrefungin analogues. A total of 480 compounds derived from the initial condensation of 8 scaffolds with 60 different amines have been synthesized using automated technology with the help of scavenger resins. A simple acetate hydrolysis of five of the above sublibraries afforded additional 300 compounds for a total of 780 compounds. Around 55% of the library members showed purities higher than 70% (HPLC-ELS-MS) thus proving the generality of this approach. Results on growth inhibition of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of selected library members are also reported as a preliminary evaluation of the antifungal activity.     

Synthesis of functionalized 1,3-thiazine libraries combining solid-phase synthesis and post-cleavage modification methods

The solid-phase synthesis of diverse sets of 1,3-thiazine-5-carboxylates on Wang resin is described. Acetoacetylation, followed by Knoevenagel condensation and an acid-promoted ring-closure reaction with thioureas furnished polymer-bound 1,3-thiazines. As an alternative to transesterification, a de-novo synthesis of beta-keto esters, starting from polymer-bound malonic acid through reaction with acyl imidazoles, was applied to increase the diversity. To reduce contamination, an on-bead purification of resin-bound 1,3-thiazines that makes use of differences in the reactivity of ester bonds toward alkoxides is reported. A final four-step post-cleavage modification of thiazine-5-carboxylates, derived by TFA cleavage from the Wang linker, leads to esters or amides. Twenty 1,3-thiazines were obtained in yields of up to 61 % over either 9 or 13 steps.     

Screen-printed amperometric biosensors for the rapid measurement of L- and D-amino acids

Screen-printed three-electrode amperometric sensors incorporating L- and/or D-amino acid oxidase for the general purpose measurement of L- or D-amino acids is described. The working electrode incorporates rhodinized carbon, to facilitate hydrogen peroxide oxidation at a decreased operating potential, and immobilized enzyme. The devices responded to all 20 common L-amino acids and all of the D-amino acids examined, the exceptions being L- and D-proline. Linear response profiles were observed for L-leucine, L-glycine and L-phenylalanine with limits of detection of 0.47, 0.15 and 0.20 mM respectively. The devices were reproducible and exhibited stability over a 56 d test period. The biosensor compares favourably with a standard photometric amino acid test and was used to monitor milk ageing effects. The assay is cheap, simple to perform and rapid, requiring only buffer-electrolyte and a small sample volume.     

Parallel synthesis of glycomimetic libraries: targeting a C-type lectin

We have developed methods for the parallel synthesis of two libraries of non-carbohydrate-based analogues of mannose on a solid support. The natural product shikimic acid was used as a key building block. The ability of the compounds to block the binding of the C-type lectin MBP-A to a mannosylated surface was assessed in a high-throughput assay. Ten library members with inhibitory activities equivalent to that of alpha-methyl mannopyranoside were identified. [reaction: see text]     

Using phospholipid Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films as matrix for urease immobilization

The immobilization of enzymes in organized two-dimensional matrices is a key requirement for many biotechnological applications. In this paper, we used the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique to obtain controlled architectures of urease immobilized in solid supports, whose physicochemical properties were investigated in detail. Urease molecules were adsorbed at the air-water interface and incorporated into Langmuir monolayers of the phospholipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DPPG). Incorporation of urease made DPPG monolayers more flexible and caused the reduction of the equilibrium and dynamic elasticity of the film. Urease and DPPG-urease mixed monolayers could be transferred onto solid substrates, forming LB films. A close packing arrangement of urease was obtained, especially in the mixed LB films, which was inferred with nanogravimetry and electrochemistry measurements. From the blocking effect of the LB films deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates, the electrochemical properties of the LB films pointed to a charge transport controlled by the lipid architecture.     

Biotinylated alginate immobilization matrix in the construction of an amperometric biosensor: application for the determination of glucose

The use of biotinylated alginate as an immobilization matrix of enzymes on the surface of the amperometric transducer is described herein. The model used is that of the well-established glucose detection. Several types of immobilization protocols were tested. In the exception of one protocol, biotin labeled glucose oxidase was shown to first require conjugation with avidin, before its immobilization onto a biotin-alginate gel matrix. The response of the biosensors to incremental additions of glucose, was measured by potentiostating the modified electrodes at 0.6 V/SCE. The permeability of the modified electrodes was thereafter measured by using rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry with ferrocenemonocarboxylic acid as the electroactive probe.