Biosensor for the determination of phenols based on cross-linked enzyme crystals (CLEC) of laccase.

Cross-linked enzyme crystals (CLECs) are a versatile form of biocatalyst that can also be used for biosensor application. Laccase from Trametes versicolor (E.C.1.10.3.2) was crystallized, cross-linked and lyophilized with beta-cyclodextrin. The CLEC laccase was found to be highly active towards phenols like 2-amino phenol, guaiacol, catechol, pyrogallol, catechin and ABTS (non-phenolic). The CLEC laccase was embedded in 30% polyvinylpropylidone (PVP) gel and mounted into an electrode to make the sensor. The biosensor was used to detect the phenols in 50-1000 micromol concentration level. Phenols with lower molecular weight such as 2-amino phenol, catechol and pyrogallol gave a short response time where as the higher molecular weight substrates like catechin and ABTS had comparatively a long response time. The optimum pH of the analyte was 5.5-6.0 when catechol was used as substrate. The CLEC laccase retained good activity for over 3 months.