SNEEB
Surface Nanostructured Electrodes for Enzyme Biosensors
Challenge
The objectives of the SNEEB project were the construction of novel electrochemical enzyme biosensors based on the modification of sensor electrodes by nanostructured materials, carbon nanotubes, graphene and electroactive polymers; investigating their influence on the enzyme biocatalysts and on the enzyme immobilisation strategies; and performing assays on key analytes in the areas of health, foods and the environment.
Solution
New electrodes modified by carbon nanotubes or graphene were constructed and characterised by electrochemical and surface analysis techniques. Redox polymers were tested for application in biosensors, and synergic effects between these polymers and nanostructured carbon were evaluated. New enzyme electrodes were constructed using layer-by-layer self-assembly with the aim of preparing more efficient biosensors with increased robustness and lifetime.
Enzyme biosensors based on the nanostructured modified electrodes were made on screen printed electrodes and these biosensors were successfully applied to pharmaceutical compounds and to species present in foods, glucose, ethanol, hypoxanthine etc. with assays being carried out simultaneously for diagnostic and quantitative determination. These biosensors were used in enzyme inhibition mode to detect heavy metal cation toxicity in environmental samples.
Objectives, Activities and Results expected / achieved
Project Reference
PTDC/QUI-QUI/116091/2009Funding
