Superoxide dismutase biosensors for superoxide radical analysis

Some basic work has been performed on the development and optimisation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensors for superoxide radical analysis. Initially we studied the possibility of obtaining a SOD biosensor using the Clark electrode as indicating sensor. However, the best results were obtained using as indicator a classical amperometric electrode for H2O2 In both cases the superoxide radical was generated in situ using the xanthine/xanthine oxidase (XOD) enzyme system, while the SOD was immobilised in kappa-carrageenan gel. The first application was realised by studying the effects in vitro on the superoxide radical of some molecules commonly accepted as radical scavengers.