ORGANIC-PHASE ENZYME ELECTRODES

Organic phase enzyme electrodes (OPEEs) offer new possibilities both for the design of biosensors for use in organic solvents and in the construction of devices incorporating an organic phase for use with aqueous samples. The advantages that accrue from performing biocatalytic and electrochemical reactions in non-aqueous systems are discussed in relation to possible applications in medicine. pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, the food industry, environmental monitoring and defence. This critical but speculative review considers the detailed implications of operating enzyme electrodes in organic solvents and briefly examines the broader issues of optical, calorimetric and piezoelectric transduction coupled with both catalytic and affinity systems, such as nucleic acid probes and antibodies.