Development of an amperometric biosensor for phenol detection

Abstract

With the aim of searching for an in situ method for monitoring phenol, Agaricus bisporus tissue with tyrosine activity was used as a biocomponent and an oxygen electrode used as a transducer to develop a biosensor. The experimental methodology investigated the relation between dissolved oxygen and phenol concentration using a standard solution. Biosensor calibration was evaluated by studying reaction time and tissue amount necessary to promote a reliable response and to minimize errors. The influence of air saturation of the sample and washing of the electrode was also investigated. Results showed that 5 g of mushroom tissue with a 1 min reaction time promoted the best biosensor response within a phenol concentration range of 5–10 ppm. Washing of the electrode did not change the performance of the analysis; however, initial air saturation caused less variation amongst the samples.

Keywords:

• biosensor
• phenol
• oxygen electrode
• Agaricus bisporus tissue

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for scholarship given by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Foundation for Research of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ).