Microtubular conductometric biosensor for ethanol detection

A conductometric sensor using microtubules of polyaniline as transducer cum immobilization matrix is reported, capable of detecting ethanol in liquid phase. Enzyme ADH (alcohol dehydrogenase) and its coenzyme NAD(+) have been used to improve the selectivity of the sensor. The sensor concept is based on the protonation of the polyaniline by the hydrogen ion produced in the enzyme-catalyzed reaction, leading to changes in the electrical conductance of the polyaniline. The sensor works well on the physiological pH, can detect ethanol as low as 0.02% (v/v) (0.092 M) and has a linear trend at par healthcare guidelines. The sensor responses were measured in various permutation and combination of enzyme and coenzyme concentrations and site of immobilization. The sensor shows minor interference with other functional groups and alcohols. The possible causes for such interference have been discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.