Enzyme support systems for biosensor applications based on gold-coated nylon meshes

A novel experimental protocol for enzyme immobilization based on the use of a very permeable support is described and applied to the development of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) based biosensor. In this system, the enzyme was immobilized onto a gold-coated nylon mesh via a self-assembled monolayer of a bifunctional reagent, cystamine, preadsorbed onto the gold surface. This support has been characterized by optical microscopy and electrochemical measurements of permeability. In the assembled biosensor, the AChE modified mesh was placed over a glassy carbon electrode and the response to 4-aminophenylacetate, used as substrate, was monitored via the enzymatic reaction product, 4-aminophenol, by oxidation at +0.25 V vs. SSCE. This approach to biosensor design has been extended to the determination of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides by their inhibition of AChE enzymatic activity. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited