Effect of HY-zeolites on the performance of tyrosinase-modified carbon paste electrodes

The dependence of electrode response on additive properties in enzyme-modified carbon paste was studied. Four different HY-zeolite powders, dealuminated to different extents and characterized by both Si/Al ratio and hydrophilicity, were used as the carbon paste modifiers. The enzyme tyrosinase used in biosensors for the detection of catechol and other phenolic compounds was chosen as the model system for the construction of a composite carbon paste biosensor incorporating different HY-zeolites as additives. Tyrosinase was trapped on the HY-zeolite particles from a buffer solution, dried and mixed with graphite powder and a pasting oil. It was found that by incorporating HY-zeolites into the carbon paste the heterogeneous reaction rate of catechol redox conversion and the signal response for catechol were increased. In the latter case a higher response was observed for increased hydrophilicity, i.e., decreased Si/Al ratio of the HY-zeolite. The carbon paste/solution interface is considered to be an aqueous/organic phase and the characteristics of the enzyme-modified carbon paste electrode are related to theories, explaining enzymatic catalysis in organic solvents.