A Laccase Electrode for Organic-Phase Enzymatic Assays

Abstract
The biocatalytic activity of laccase from Coriolus hirsutus in non-aqueous environments is exploited for developing an organic-phase amperometric biosensor. The Eastman-AQ polymeric film, known for its stability in organic media, is used to entrap the enzyme onto the glassy carbon surface. The resulting electrode responds rapidly to low concentrations of catechols and hydroquinone in various alcohols. The detection limit for hydroquinone is 6×10−7 M. Various experimental variables, influencing the response of the organic-phase biosensor, are explored. With flow injection, 60 samples per hour can be processed with a relative standard deviation of 1.3%.