A pyruvate dehydrogenase-based amperometric biosensor for assessing pungency in onions (Allium cepa L.)

A disposable prototype electrochemical biosensor was constructed using pyruvate dehydrogenase immobilised on mediated Meldolas Blue electrodes to determine pungency in onions (Allium cepa L.). The optimum operating potential was +50 mV vs. Ag/AgCl reference/counter electrode. The biosensor was able to differentiate between mild and pungent bulbs with pyruvate concentrations ranging between ≈4 and 8 mM in freshly extracted juices. Resolution was 0.5 mM and thus was comparable to the standard Schwimmer and Weston-based colorimetric assay currently employed by industry for determining pungency in macerated onion tissue.