Direct determination of copper in urine using a sol–gel optical sensor coupled to a multicommutated flow system

In this work, a multicommutated flow system incorporating a sol–gel optical sensor is proposed for direct spectrophotometric determination of Cu(II) in urine. The optical sensor was developed by physical entrapment of 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) in sol–gel thin films by means of a base-catalysed process. The immobilised PAR formed a red 2:1 complex with Cu(II) with maximum absorbance at 500 nm. Optical transduction was based on a dual-colour light-emitting diode (LED) (green/red) light source and a photodiode detector. The sensor had optimum response and good selectivity towards Cu(II) at pH 7.0 and its regeneration was accomplished with picolinic acid. Linear response was obtained for Cu(II) concentrations between 5.0 and 80.0 g L^–1, with a detection limit of 3.0 g L^–1 and sampling frequency of 14 samples h^–1. Interference from foreign ions was studied at a 10:1 (w/w) ion:Cu(II) ratio. Results obtained from analysis of urine samples were in very good agreement with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS); there was no significant differences at a confidence level of 95%.     

Simple optical fibre biosensor based on immobilised enzyme for monitoring of trace heavy metal ions

A simple optical fibre biosensor based on immobilised enzyme for monitoring of trace heavy metal ions has been developed. The biosensor recognition system was designed based on the inhibition of urease activity, where the urease is immobilised on ultrabind membrane. The studies of inhibition by the heavy metal ions Hg(II), Ag(I), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) were performed using a fibre-optic biosensor configuration, where the pH change resulting from the bio-catalytic hydrolysis of urea was monitored at the wavelength 615 nm spectroscopically, using commercial pH indicator strip before and after the exposure to the heavy metal ions. The immobilised urease was regenerated by l-cysteine. The linear response range between 1×10^-9–1×10^-5 M and the limit of detection 1×10^-9 M (0.2 g/L) for Hg(II) ions was achieved by employing the flow method. The optimisation of experimental parameters, including flow method, is also discussed.     

The immunosensors for measurement of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was evaluated for the direct determination of herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Specific antibody against 2,4-D was immobilised onto different gold electrodes. Several methods of antibody immobilisation by covalent linkage to modified surface were studied. Self-assembled monolayers formed using thiocompounds as cystamine, 4-aminothiophenol (ATPh), 3,3'-dithiopropionic acid di-(N-succinimidyl ester) (DTSP) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) were chosen for the sensing surface activation. Three different sensor types were tested: screen-printed disc and finger-like structures and interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes produced by lithography. The measurements were carried out in a stationary arrangement, and the reaction between hapten and the immobilised antibody was observed online. Changes of impedance parameters were evaluated, and the best immobilisation technique (using 4-aminothiophenol) was chosen for further measurements. Impedance changes due to immunocomplex formation were evaluated, and the possibility of direct monitoring of 2,4-D binding to the antibody was demonstrated at a fixed frequency. For the strip sensor, the calibration curves were constructed in concentration range from 45 nmol l(-1) to 0.45 mmol l(-1) of 2,4-D.     

pH值与湿度的光纤传感器研究

本文采用溶胶凝胶法和包埋法分别将对pH值和湿度敏感的指示剂修饰在光纤纤芯表面,制成了具有较宽检测范围的光纤pH传感器和光纤湿度传感器。通过X射线能谱仪(EDX)对所制备的pH和湿度敏感膜的表面成分进行了分析,并采用光功率计对敏感膜进行了光学检测。结果表明:当pH值在4.5~13的范围内变化时,光输出功率与pH值近似呈线性变化规律;当相对湿度(RH)在25%~80%的范围内变化时,光输出功率与RH值近似呈线性变化规律,并且二者在其检测范围内均具有良好的可逆性。     

Analytical performance of an optical pH sensor for acid-base titration

The analytical performance of a reflectance optical fibre sensor is described for the determination of pH, particularly that of acid-base titration end-points. The sensor makes use of cresol red immobilized on the anion-exchange resin Dowex 1-X10, has a pH transition interval in the range 5.5–7.5 and uses a PTFE membrane as interface. The sensor r.s.d. is ca. 1% and the accuracy is excellent. It is useful for titrating strong and weak acids (such as HF) with bases and vice versa, and requires very small sample volumes. The sensor can titrate turbid and coloured solutions at different temperatures. The minimum response time necessary after each titrant addition is in the range 0.5–1 min.     

Continuous-flow protease assay based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer

A homogeneous continuous-flow assay using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for detection was developed to measure the hydrolysis of HIV Protease Substrate 1 (to which two choromophores, EDANS and DABCYL are covalently attached) by a protease (e.g. Subtilisin Carlsberg) and the influence of inhibitors. In the continuous-flow assay, an inhibitor solution and an enzyme solution were first eluted into the system and allowed to react with each other in a reaction coil. Subsequently, the substrate solution was added to an enzyme-inhibitor mixture in a second reaction coil and incubated for 1 min. Finally, the fluorescence intensity was monitored.The system was also utilized to measure the inhibition of the protease by two weak acidity inhibitors which are 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Using the obtained optimum conditions for AEBSF, a detection limit of 0.3 mmol/l was achieved and the relative standard deviation was below 3.7% in the 2.5-7.5 mmol/l range. For EDTA, which required a 20 times higher substrate concentration than AEBSF, a detection limit of 0.2 mmol/l was obtained and the relative standard deviation was below 9.6% in the 0.5-7.5 mmol/l range.The optimization of pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, reaction time and temperature are described. Organic modifier effects were also investigated. Methanol, acetonitrile and DMSO could be tolerated up to 30%.     

Optical sensor for carbon dioxide combining colorimetric change of a pH indicator and a reference luminescent dye

A new optical CO₂ sensor based on the luminescence intensity change of the europium(III) complex tris(thenoyltrifluoroacetonato) europium(III) dihydrate ([Eu(tta)₃]) caused by the absorption change of various pH indicators—thymol blue, phenol red, or cresol red—with CO₂ was developed and its CO₂ sensing properties were investigated. For all the CO₂ sensors using pH indicators the observed luminescence intensity from [Eu(tta)₃] at 613 nm increased with increasing CO₂ concentration. The linear calibration method based on the plot of (I₁₀₀–I₀)/(I–I₀) versus the inverse of CO₂ concentration was suggested, where I₀ and I₁₀₀ were luminescence intensities at 613 nm of the CO₂ sensor film in 100% nitrogen and 100% gaseous CO₂. In all cases the plots showed good linearity and the correlation factors of the plots, r², were 0.991 for thymol blue, 0.990 for phenol red, and 0.998 for cresol red. The slopes of the plots (A/B) for thymol blue, phenol red, and cresol red were 2.2, 5.2, and 9.0%, respectively. The response times of the CO₂ sensor film were 4.0 s for thymol blue, 4.4 s for phenol red, and 8.8 s for cresol red for switching from nitrogen to CO₂, and the recovery times of films were 36 s for thymol blue, 39.2 s for phenol red, and 56.6 s for cresol red for switching from CO₂ to nitrogen. The signal changes were fully reversible and hysteresis was not observed during the measurements. The highly sensitive CO₂ sensor was developed using thymol blue as an indicator for the CO₂-sensing probe.     

Optimisation of a reagentless laccase electrode for the detection of the inhibitor azide

Here we report on the optimisation of a reagentless enzyme sensor for the detection of azide based on the mediated reduction of O2 by a laccase enzyme co-immobilised in a redox hydrogel on electrode surfaces. The sensor response is shown to be influenced by the enzyme loading, the electrolyte pH and ionic strength. The response of the sensor is stable, decreasing by only 25% over a sixteen-hour period. Reproducible inhibition curves for the determination of azide levels from cyclic voltammetric scans can be obtained by normalisation of the sensor response. The resulting enzyme inhibition biosensor can detect levels of azide as low as 2.5 microM under these conditions. Constant potential amperometric detection at the laccase enzyme electrode in a flow injection set-up yields a peak current for inhibition of the mediated reduction of O2. Reproducible peak currents and areas (8.0 and 6.3% RSD, respectively, for n = 11) are obtained for repeated injections of 100 microM azide. Reproducible response curves can be obtained by injection of a 25 mM azide sample and assuming that the peak height and peak area obtained represent 100% inhibition of the enzyme.     

Development of an amperometric biosensor based on acetylcholine esterase covalently bound to a new support material

A new type of amperometric biosensor based on immobilised acetylcholine esterase was designed and constructed. The enzyme was immobilised on a flow-through working electrode, which was prepared from reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) or from a composite material consisting of RVC and superporous agarose. The sensor was operated in FIA mode using acetylthiocholine as a substrate. The sensor responded to inhibitors such as paraoxon-10(-9) mol was detected by the sensor in a non-optimised configuration. The practical lifetime of the sensor was at least 1 month.     

Using trimethylamine dehydrogenase in an enzyme linked amperometric electrode. Part 1. Wild-type enzyme redox mediation

An amperometric enzyme electrode was studied based on the wild-type protein trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH), which catalyses the oxidative N-demethylation of trimethylamine to produce dimethylamine and formaldehyde. Ferrocene derivatives were investigated electrochemically, as free diffusing electron acceptors for recycling of the prosthetic groups of the immobilised enzyme. Ferricinium had the highest rates but, inhibited the enzyme, possibly as a result of a conformational change initiated at the Val-344 residue where it binds close to the 4Fe-4S cluster, interrupting the electron transfer between flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and 4Fe-4S by changing the redox potential of one or both of the prosthetic groups. (Dimethylamino)methylene ferrocene (DMAMFe) (k(s) = 0.93 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) did not show inhibition and was used as a comparison for steady-state characterisation. The sensor response was studied over the pH range 6.0-1.0. Plots of kcat/KM revealed two ionisations with pKa values of 7.5 and 10. The pKa of 10 was attributed to the ionisation of the secondary amine in DMAMFe, whereas the pKa of 7.5 was thought to reflect the ionisations of the intramolecular electron pathway. A TMADH/DMAMFe amperometric enzyme electrode was successfully used for the determination of TMA in different fish samples (detection limit: 2 mg TMA-N per lOOg wet fish muscle). The obtained results compared well with a reference method based on picric acid.     

Enzyme sensor for the electrochemical detection of the marine toxin okadaic acid

An enzyme sensor for the electrochemical detection of the marine toxin okadaic acid (OA) has been developed. The strategy was based on the inhibition of immobilised protein phosphatase (PP2A) by this toxin and the electrochemical measurement of the enzyme activity by the use of appropriate enzyme substrates, electrochemically active after dephosphorylation by the enzyme. Colorimetric inhibition assays have demonstrated the PP2A from human red blood cells to be more sensitive and to provide a wider linear range than the one produced by genetic engineering. Catechyl monophosphate (CMP) and p-aminophenyl phosphate (p-APP) have been tested as enzyme substrates, the former providing higher electrochemical currents at convenient working potentials (+450 mV vs. Ag/AgCl). Biosensors with 19.1 and 5.0 U of immobilised enzyme have been applied to the OA detection. Whereas the 19.1-U biosensor has provided higher electrochemical currents and more reliable determinations, the 5.0-U one has attained a lower 50% inhibition coefficient (IC₅₀) value (22.19 in front of 154.84 μg L⁻¹) and a larger working range (2.69-171.87 in front of 42.97-171.87 μg L⁻¹). The analysis of toxicogenic dinoflagellate extracts with both biosensors and the comparison with the colorimetric assay and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have demonstrated the applicability of the developed electrochemical devices as screening biotools for the assessment of the toxicity of a sample.     

Enantiomeric separations of cationic and neutral compounds by capillary electrochromatography with monolithic chiral stationary phases of beta-cyclodextrin-bonded negatively charged polyacrylamide gels

Enantiomeric separation by capillary electrochromatography with beta-cyclodextrin-bonded negatively charged polyacrylamide gels was examined. The columns used are capillaries filled with a negatively charged polyacrylamide gel, a so-called monolithic stationary phase, to which allyl carbamoylated beta-CD (AC-beta-CD) derivatives covalently bind. The capillary wall is activated first with a bifunctional reagent to make the resulting gel bind covalently to the inner surface of the fused-silica tubing. Enantiomeric separations of 15 cationic compounds were achieved using the above-mentioned columns and mobile phases of 200 mmol l(-1) Tris-300 mmol I(-1) boric acid buffer (pH 7.0 or 9.0) or 200 mmol l(-1) Tris-300 mmol l(-1) boric acid buffer (pH 7.0) containing an achiral crown ether (18-crown-6). Enantiomeric separations of two neutral compounds were also achieved using 200 mmol l(-1) Tris-300 mmol l(-1) boric acid buffer (pH 9.0) as a mobile phase. High efficiencies of up to 150,000 plates m(-1) were obtained. Both the within- and between-run reproducibilities of retention time and separation factor were good. The reproducibilities of retention time and separation factor for three different columns prepared from a different batch of monomers were acceptable. The gel-filled capillaries were stable for at least 3 months with intermittent use, utilizing the mobile phase of 200 mmol I(-1) Tris-300 mmol I(-1) boric acid buffer (pH 9.0).     

Stabilization of Sensing Assay within Polyelectrolyte-Coated Alginate Microspheres for Optical Urea Sensing

Abstract

A new absorbance-based enzymatic biosensor for determination of urea (in the range 0.01 to 6.7 mM) is described. Quantification using cresol red dye, immobilized in the nanofilm coatings assembled on alginate microspheres to immobilize the urease enzyme, has been accomplished using ratiometric absorbance measurements. The effect of salt concentration in polyelectrolyte nanofilms (on the stability of dye molecules) and buffer pH (on the enzyme stability) are reported. The results demonstrate excellent stability of sensing assay within alginate microspheres. Urea-sensing experiments demonstrate the potential to develop an optical urea sensor that is stable over a month.     

Development of an optical fibre Al(III) sensor based on immobilised chrome azurol S

Chrome azurol S immobilised on XAD-2 has been used in this study as a reagent phase for the development of an optical fibre Al(III) sensor. Using a kinetic approach, this sensor was able to give a linear response in the Al(III) concentration range of 1.3 x 10(-5)-2.0 x 10(-4) M with a limit of detection of 1.0 x 10(-4) M. The optimum responses were obtained at pH 6.0 and when the solution was stirred. The sensor response was found to have a repeatability and reproducibility of 1.6% and 5.8%, respectively. The results obtained for Al(III) determination in aqueous sample were in good agreement with those obtained using graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry.     

聚苯胺修饰碳纤维超微pH传感器研究及其在植物柱头活体测试中的应用

作为探测生命奥秘的重要手段,微电极技术已广泛应用于活体分析[1－3]．传统的pH玻璃电极难以实现活体微区或微环境分析,因此,研制微型和超微型pH传感器意义重大．本文采用电化学聚合法将聚苯胺修饰在碳纤维微柱电极上,制成对pH具有能斯特响应的超微型pH传感器,与pH玻璃电极比较,发现它具有响应快、稳定性高、重现性好及选择性高等特点．用该超微pH传感器首次实现了对答苔属植物活体柱头乳突细胞和花粉粒表面微环境的pH值测定．为生物学家深入研究花粉萌发的生理过程和机理提供了十分有用的信息．1实验部分1．1仪器和试剂M366双恒…     

A mid-IR flow-through sensor for direct monitoring of enzyme catalysed reactions. Case study: Measurement of carbohydrates in beer

A novel mid-IR flow-through sensor for in situ monitoring of the enzymatic reaction of amyloglucosidase with carbohydrates was developed. Amyloglucosidase was immobilised on agarose beads with N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and directly placed in a conventional IR flow-through cell. The carbohydrate content of various beer samples was then determined by following the enzymatic hydrolytic cleavage of carbohydrates to glucose with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The whole procedure was done in an automated way operating in the stopped flow mode by incorporating the flow-through sensor in a sequential injection (SI) manifold. As the immobilised enzyme was directly probed by the IR beam, an in situ study of the enzymatic reaction was possible enabling determination of the Michaelis-Menten constant of the immobilised enzyme. A linear calibration curve was recorded using maltose standards in the range between 0.86 and 7.13 g L(-1). The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of the carbohydrate content of four different beer samples by the standard addition method. Moreover experiments showed the possibility of monitoring in situ the immobilisation of the enzyme as well as a small organic acid (malic acid) on the agarose beads using EDC.     

Colorimetric determination of copper in aqueous samples using a flow injection system with a pre-concentration poly(ethylenimine) column

A colorimetric flow injection-system for the determination of Cu(II) in waters based on complexation reaction with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol, usually termed PAR, is described. Performing measurements in 0.25 mol l(-1) HNO(3) medium allowed improved selectivity of the analytical method. The lack of sensitivity deriving from the low complex absorption under acidic conditions was balanced by the insertion of an immobilised poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) column where Cu(II) pre-concentration in neutral media occurs. Using sample volumes ranging from 2 to 4 ml, sampling rates of 24 and 12 samples h(-1) within a detection limit of 25 and 13 mug l(-1), respectively, were accomplished. Accuracy of the developed methodology was assessed by comparison with atomic absorption spectrometry being the relationship [FIA] mg l(-1)=1.00 (+/-0.03)x[AAS] mg l(-1)+0.00 (+/-0.02) obtained after analysing 15 samples. Precision was also evaluated using two samples of 0.05 and 0.5 mg l(-1) copper, and a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) better than 3% was attained for both.     

An amperometric hydrogen peroxide biosensor based on immobilizing horseradish peroxidase to a nano-Au monolayer supported by sol-gel derived carbon ceramic electrode

A novel strategy for fabricating horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based H(2)O(2) sensor has been developed by combining the merits of carbon sol-gel supporting matrix and nano-scaled particulate gold (nano-Au) mediator. The thiol functional group-derived carbon ceramic electrode (CCE) was first constructed using (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxy silane as sol-gel monomer. Then, the stable nano-Au monolayer was obtained through covalent linkage between nano-Au and thiol group on the surface of CCE. The experimental results showed that nano-Au monolayer formed not only could steadily immobilize HRP but also efficiently retain its bioactivity. Hydrogen peroxide was detected with the aid of hydroquinone mediator to transfer electrons between the electrode and HRP. The process parameters for the fabrication of the enzyme electrode and various experimental variables such as the operating potential, mediator concentration and pH of background electrolyte were explored for optimum analytical performance of the enzyme electrode. The biosensor had a fast response of less than 8 s with linear range of 1.22 x 10(-5) to 1.10 x 10(-3)mol l(-1) and a detection limit of 6.1 x 10(-6)mol l(-1). The sensitivity of the sensor for H(2)O(2) was 0.29 A l mol(-1) cm(-2). The activation energy for enzyme reaction was calculated to be 10.1 kJ mol(-1). The enzyme electrode retained 75% of its initial activity after 5 weeks storage in phosphate buffer at pH 7.     

天冬酰胺合成酶B抑制剂高效液相色谱筛选方法的建立与应用

建立了一种快速、高效测定天冬酰胺合成酶B(AS-B)酶活性的反相高效液相色谱法(RP-HPLC)。酶反应体系中的氨基酸经2,4-二硝基氟苯(DNFB)柱前衍生,通过RP-HPLC测定酶反应体系前后底物及产物的变化来分析酶的活性。采用的色谱柱为Agilent C18柱(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),以50 mmol/L醋酸钠缓冲液(pH 6.2)-乙腈(体积比为15:85)为流动相,流速为1.0 mL/min,柱温为30 ℃,检测波长365 nm,于6 min内实现了各组分的基线分离。通过该方法测定反应动力学参数进行AS-B的抑制定量分析。将已知AS-B抑制剂L-谷氨酸-γ-甲酯作用于酶反应体系,测得的抑制剂的抑制常数与文献值相接近,证明该方法可用于AS-B抑制剂的筛选。     

Catalase biosensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide,fluoride and cyanide

The enzyme catalase, which catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water, was immobilized in a membrane by entrapping it in polyacryl amide and contacted to a Clark-type oxygen electrode. With the resulting catalase biosensor it was possible to detect the substrate hydrogen peroxide and the inhibitors fluoride and cyanide in phosphate buffer.The sensor was integrated into a flow system. In the concentration range from 5–200 mg/l a linear dependence of the peak height on the hydrogen peroxide concentration was obtained. The average decrease in activity during 30 days of storage at 6 °C was 17%. Fluoride and cyanide could be determined by measuring the inhibition of the enzymatic reaction in the same flow system. The analysis was executed in three steps; namely determination of the original activity by pumping substrate solution, inhibition of the enzyme by pumping inhibitor solution, and determination of the activity after the inhibition.The decrease in activity correlated with the inhibitor concentration of the sample, but a linear dependence was not found. The inhibition of fluoride and cyanide was both reversible, the enzyme membrane could be reactivated completely by pumping substrate solution. The detection limit was 1 mg/l for fluoride and 1.5 mg/l for cyanide.