Laccase biosensors based on mercury thin film electrode.

A biosensor was developed by immobilizing laccase onto mercury thin film electrode (MTFE) by means of gelatin that is then crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Mercury thin film (MTF) was deposited onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the obtained biosensor was utilized for the determination of phenolic compounds. The measurement was based on the amperometric detection of oxygen consumption in relation to analyte oxidation. The optimum experimental conditions for the biosensor were investigated and the system was calibrated for both catechol and phenol. A linear relationship between sensor responses and analyte concentrations was obtained in concentration range between 0.5 x 10(-6)-5.0 x 10(-6)M for catechol and 2.5 x 10(-6)-2.0 x 10(-6)M for phenol, respectively. Mercury thin film was also formed onto the surface of screen printed graphite electrodes and applied for the catechol detection. The linearity was observed in concentration range between 2.5 x 10(-6)-3.0 x 10(-5)M.