Reagentless enzyme electrode for the determination of manganese through biocatalytic enhancement.

An amperometric enzyme electrode is described for the detection and determination of manganese(II). The biosensor is based on the stimulation by manganese of the aerobic oxidation of substrates by horseradish peroxidase. A mediator, 1,2-naphthoquinone, is used as the substrate and is incorporated with the enzyme into a carbon-paste electrode. The resulting electrode acts as an enzyme-based oxygen sensor, which is sensitive to manganese. Electrochemical control of enzyme activity is achieved through substrate promotion of catalysis. Enzyme modulation by manganese can be switched on and off or adjusted through the appropriate selection of the applied potential. Currents are generated due to the bioelectrocatalytic reduction of oxygen in response to the introduction of manganese sulfate. A sustained current is achieved which is dependent on manganese concentration. Concentrations of 0.5 microM manganese or greater can be measured, and the sensor is reversible, as demonstrated by manganese removal. Biological selectivity for manganese provides a sensor which does not respond to other divalent cations tested, with the possible exception of cobalt. Reagentless, continuous sensing is achieved through substrate cycling.