New biosensor for superoxide radical used to evidence molecules of biomedical and pharmaceutical interest having radical scavenging properties

Marine Biological Macromolecules as Matrix Material for Biosensor fabrication

The Ocean covers two-third of our planet and has great biological heterogeneity. Marine organisms like algae, vertebrates, invertebrates, and microbes are known to provide many natural products with biological activities as well as potent sources of biomaterials for therapeutic, biomedical, biosensors, and climate stabilization. Over the years, the field of biosensors have gained huge attention due to their extraordinary ability to provide early disease diagnosis, rapid detection of various molecules and substances along with long term monitoring. This review aims to focus on the properties and employment of various biomaterials (Carbohydrate polymers, proteins, polyacids etc) of marine origin such as Alginate, Chitin, Chitosan, Fucoidan, Carrageenan, Chondroitin Sulfate (CS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), Collagen, marine pigments, marine nanoparticles, Hydroxyapatite (HAp), Biosilica, lectins, and marine whole cell in the design and development of biosensors. Further, this review also covers the source of such marine biomaterials and their promising evolution in the fabrication of biosensors that are potent to be employed in the biomedical, environmental science and agricultural sciences domains. The use of such fabricated biosensors harness the system with excellent specificity, selectivity, biocompatibility, thermally stable and minimal cost advantages. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Self-assembled mono- and bilayers on gold electrodes to assess antioxidants—a comparative study

Oxidative stress is considered as an imbalance of reactive species over antioxidants, leading to diseases and cell death. Various methods have been developed to determine the antioxidant potential of natural or synthetic compounds based on the ability to scavenge free radicals. However, most of them lack biological relevance. Here, a gold-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was compared with a gold-supported lipid bilayer as models for the mammalian cell membrane to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of different antioxidants. The oxidative damage induced by reactive species was verified by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry and measured by the increase of electrochemical peak current of a redox probe. Trolox, caffeic acid (CA), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), ascorbic acid (AA), and ferulic acid (FA) were used as model antioxidants. The change in the decrease of the electrochemical signal reflecting oxidative membrane damage confirms the expected protective role. Both model systems showed similar efficacies of each antioxidant, the achieved order of radical scavenging potential is as follows: Trolox > CA > EGCG > AA > FA. The results showed that the electrochemical assay with SAM-modified electrodes is a stable and powerful tool to estimate qualitatively the antioxidative activity of a compound with respect to cell membrane protection against biologically relevant reactive species.

Novel Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Sensors and Nanoprobes for the Characterization of Food and Biological Antioxidants

Since an unbalanced excess of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) causes various diseases, determination of antioxidants that can counter oxidative stress is important in food and biological analyses. Optical/electrochemical nanosensors have attracted attention in antioxidant activity (AOA) assessment because of their increased sensitivity and selectivity. Optical sensors offer advantages such as low cost, flexibility, remote control, speed, miniaturization and on-site/in situ analysis. Electrochemical sensors using noble metal nanoparticles on modified electrodes better catalyze bioelectrochemical reactions. We summarize the design principles of colorimetric sensors and nanoprobes for food antioxidants (including electron-transfer based and ROS/RNS scavenging assays) and important milestones contributed by our laboratory. We present novel sensors and nanoprobes together with their mechanisms and analytical performances. Our colorimetric sensors for AOA measurement made use of cupric-neocuproine and ferric-phenanthroline complexes immobilized on a Nafion membrane. We recently designed an optical oxidant/antioxidant sensor using N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DMPD) as probe, from which ROS produced colored DMPD-quinone cationic radicals electrostatically retained on a Nafion membrane. The attenuation of initial color by antioxidants enabled indirect AOA estimation. The surface plasmon resonance absorption of silver nanoparticles as a result of enlargement of citrate-reduced seed particles by antioxidant addition enabled a linear response of AOA. We determined biothiols with Ellman reagent-derivatized gold nanoparticles.

Effect of Nanoparticles on Modified Screen Printed Inhibition Superoxide Dismutase Electrodes for Aluminum

A novel amperometric biosensor for the determination of Al(III) based on the inhibition of the enzyme superoxide dismutase has been developed. The oxidation signal of epinephrine substrate was affected by the presence of Al(III) ions leading to a decrease in its amperometric current. The immobilization of the enzyme was performed with glutaraldehyde on screen-printed carbon electrodes modifiedwith tetrathiofulvalene (TTF) and different types ofnanoparticles. Nanoparticles of gold, platinum, rhodium and palladium were deposited on screen printed carbon electrodes by means of two electrochemical procedures. Nanoparticles were characterized trough scanning electronic microscopy, X-rays fluorescence, and atomic force microscopy. Palladium nanoparticles showed lower atomic force microscopy parameters and higher slope of aluminum calibration curves and were selected to perform sensor validation. The developed biosensor has a detection limit of 2.0 ± 0.2 μM for Al(III), with a reproducibility of 7.9% (n = 5). Recovery of standard reference material spiked to buffer solution was 103.8% with a relative standard deviation of 4.8% (n = 5). Recovery of tap water spiked with the standard reference material was 100.5 with a relative standard deviation of 3.4% (n = 3). The study of interfering ions has also been carried out.

Antioxidant power as biochemical endpoint in bread for screening and early managing quality and toxicant-related safety anomalies in food production

Flaxseeds are both a food ingredient and a natural source of antioxidants (e.g. lignans, PUFAs) and pro-oxidant contaminants (e.g. cadmium): the variable mixture of anti- and pro-oxidant substances may impact on the redox homeostasis of flaxseed-enriched foods. The antioxidant power is studied here as biochemical activity of flaxseeds in white wheat bread and as endpoint for possible screening of anomalous variations of bioactive mixtures (antioxidants vs. prooxidants) in food matrices. A bioprobe assay based on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme (6 channels of the multiprobe bioelectronic platform BEST) was performed on white wheat bread with and without flaxseeds. Nine BEST channels were simultaneously used for validation and monitoring of measuring conditions (temperature, pH, conductivity). Findings were compared with quantitative analysis of antioxidants and pro-oxidant contaminants. Organic and aqueous extracts of both bread types were examined in parallel. The SOD-probe detected the difference in antioxidant power given by 10% flaxseed, thus supporting the use of antioxidant power detected by bioenzymatic screening as sensitive biochemical endpoint. Mixtures of bioactive molecules in foods generate biochemical activities that can be monitored as time-effective indicators of invariability, which is pivotal in the daily control of anomalies in food production and therefore in the protection of consumers' health.

Superoxide Ion: Generation and Chemical Implications

Superoxide ion (O2(•-)) is of great significance as a radical species implicated in diverse chemical and biological systems. However, the chemistry knowledge of O2(•-) is rather scarce. In addition, numerous studies on O2(•-) were conducted within the latter half of the 20th century. Therefore, the current advancement in technology and instrumentation will certainly provide better insights into mechanisms and products of O2(•-) reactions and thus will result in new findings. This review emphasizes the state-of-the-art research on O2(•-) so as to enable researchers to venture into future research. It comprises the main characteristics of O2(•-) followed by generation methods. The reaction types of O2(•-) are reviewed, and its potential applications including the destruction of hazardous chemicals, synthesis of organic compounds, and many other applications are highlighted. The O2(•-) environmental chemistry is also discussed. The detection methods of O2(•-) are categorized and elaborated. Special attention is given to the feasibility of using ionic liquids as media for O2(•-), addressing the latest progress of generation and applications. The effect of electrodes on the O2(•-) electrochemical generation is reviewed. Finally, some remarks and future perspectives are concluded.

Amperometric enzyme sensor to check the total antioxidant capacity of several mixed berries. Comparison with two other spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods

The aim of this research was to test the correctness of response of a superoxide dismutase amperometric biosensor used for the purpose of measuring and ranking the total antioxidant capacity of several systematically analysed mixed berries. Several methods are described in the literature for determining antioxidant capacity, each culminating in the construction of an antioxidant capacity scale and each using its own unit of measurement. It was therefore endeavoured to correlate and compare the results obtained using the present amperometric biosensor method with those resulting from two other different methods for determining the total antioxidant capacity selected from among those more frequently cited in the literature. The purpose was to establish a methodological approach consisting in the simultaneous application of different methods that it would be possible to use to obtain an accurate estimation of the total antioxidant capacity of different mixed berries and the food products containing them. Testing was therefore extended to also cover jams, yoghurts and juices containing mixed berries.

Healthy and adverse effects of plant-derived functional metabolites: the need of revealing their content and bioactivity in a complex food matrix

In recent years, both food quality and its effect on human health have become a fundamental issue all over the world. As a consequence of this new and increased awareness, American, European, and Asian policymakers have strongly encouraged the research programs on food quality and safety thematic. Attempts to improve human health and to satisfy people's desire for healthcare without intake of pharmaceuticals, has led the food industry to focus attention on functional or nutraceutical food. For a long time, compounds with nutraceutical activity have been produced chemically, but the new demands for a sustainable life have gradually led the food industry to move towards natural compounds, mainly those derived from plants. Many phytochemicals are known to promote good health, but, sometimes, undesirable effects are also reported. Furthermore, several products present on the market show few benefits and sometimes even the reverse - unhealthy effects; the evidence of efficacy is often unconvincing and epidemiological studies are necessary to prove the truth of their claims. Therefore, there is a need for reliable analytical control systems to measure the bioactivity, content, and quality of these additives in the complex food matrix. This review describes the most widespread nutraceutics and an analytical control of the same using recently developed biosensors which are promising candidates for routine control of functional foods.

Carboxymethylcellulose-gelatin-superoxidase dismutase electrode for amperometric superoxide radical sensing

A novel, highly sensitive superoxide dismutase biosensor for the direct and simultaneous determination of superoxide radicals was developed by immobilization of superoxide dismutase within carboxymethylcellulose-gelatin on a Pt electrode surface. The parameters affecting the performance of the biosensor were investigated. The response of the CMC-G-SOD biosensor was proportional to O (2) (·-) concentration and the detection limit was 1.25 × 10(-3) mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The developed biosensor exhibited high analytical performance with wider linear range, high sensitivity and low response time. The biosensor retained 89.8% of its sensitivity after use for 80 days. The support system enhanced the immobilization of superoxide dismutase and promoted the electron transfer of superoxide dismutase minimizing its fouling effect. The biosensor was quite effective not only in detecting O (2) (·-) , but also in determining the antioxidant properties of acetylsalicylic acid-based drugs and the anti-radical activity of healthy and cancerous human brain tissues.

Determination of the antioxidants' ability to scavenge free radicals using biosensors

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules generated during cellular metabolism. However, their overproduction results in oxidative stress, a deleterious process that can damage cell structures, including lipids and membranes, proteins and DNA. Antioxidants respond to this problem, scavenging free radicals. This chapter critically reviews the electrochemical biosensors developed for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of specific compounds. Due to the ability of these devices to perform simple, fast and reliable analysis, they are promising biotools for the assessment ofantioxidant properties.

Determination of lactoferrin and immunoglobulin g in animal milks by new immunosensors

Two different immunosensors, recently developed for the determination of antibacterial proteins (lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G) in buffalo milk and in other commercial animal milks samples, were used in the present study. The aim was to propose these immunosensor methods for routine control of important diet products, such as cow and goat milks, and in particular buffalo milk. To this end we employed two different kinds of immunosensors: one for the analysis of immunoglobulin G (IgG), the other was a new amperometric immunosensor for lactoferrin analysis. Lactoferrin and IgG immunosensors were also used for the determination of lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G in buffalo milk on different days of lactation.

SPR in drug discovery: searching bioactive compounds in plant extracts

Biosensors represent an interesting tool in the search of bioactive compounds. In particular, optical sensors based on Surface Plasmon Resonance transduction (SPR) allow monitoring of biomolecular interaction in real time and without any labelling of the interactants. The biosensor analysis can be applied to both pure compounds or to complex mixtures (e.g. plant extract). The SPR detection principle is here presented and the application to the analysis of plant extracts (i.e. of Chelidonium majus L.) as a paradigmatic example for the search of bioactive compounds able to interact with DNA, is also discussed.

New investigation of the isothermal oxidation of extra virgin olive oil: determination of free radicals, total polyphenols, total antioxidant capacity, and kinetic data

As a follow-up of the research programs carried out by our group concerning the artificial isothermal rancidification process in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), in the present work the trends of both the total antioxidant capacity and the total polyphenols concentration as well as the main kinetic parameters of the process during the thermal oxidation of EVOO were studied and compared. In addition, the possibility of evaluating the increase in radicals concentration during the thermal oxidation process using a superoxide dismutase biosensor was also studied. The present investigation concerning this important food product is highly topical as it refers to the state of alteration of the EVOO used for cooking or frying, as a function of the temperature reached.

Superoxide radical sensing using a cytochrome c3 immobilized conducting polymer electrode

A biosensor based on cytochrome c3 (cyt c3) has been introduced to detect and quantify superoxide radical (O2*-). Cyt c3, isolated from the sulfate-reducing bacterium (Desulfovibrio vulgaris Miyazaki F. strain), and its mutant were immobilized onto a conducting polymer coated electrodes by the covalent bonding with carbodiimide chemistry. The immobilization of cyt c3 was investigated with quartz crystal microbalance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetric studies. The CVs recorded for cyt c3 and a mutant modified-electrodes showed a quasi-reversible behavior having the formal potential of about -471 and -476 mV (versus Ag/AgCl), respectively, in a 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). The modified electrodes showed the surface controlled process and the electron transfer rate constants (ks) were evaluated to be 0.47 and 0.51 s(-1) for cyt c3 and mutant modified electrodes, respectively. A potential application of the cyt c3 modified electrode was evaluated by monitoring the bioelectrocatalytic response towards the O2*-. The hydrodynamic range of 0.2-2.7 micromole L(-1) and the detection limit of 0.05 micromole L(-1) were obtained.

One-step method embedding superoxide dismutase and gold nanoparticles in silica sol–gel network in the presence of cysteine for construction of third-generation biosensor

A new and one-step method has been developed for the fabrication of superoxide dismutase (SOD) based biosensor. This method was used to form a silica sol-gel (SG) thin film and to immobilize SOD and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in silica SG network for the fabrication of biosensor. The immobilized superoxide dismutase realized direct electron transfer between the enzyme and electrode surface, and the rate constants of the electrochemical process (ks) of SOD was markedly enhanced by GNPs. The electrochemical performance and influencing factors of the resulting biosensor were studied in detail. The resulting biosensor exhibited fast amperometric response to superoxide anion. The calibration range of superoxide anion was from 0.05 to 0.4 micromol L(-1). The proposed method exhibited the benefits of the advantages of self-assembly, nanoparticles and SG techniques. The fabrication of the SOD-modified electrode was easy and simple. The biosensor exhibited high sensitivity and long-term stability.

Application of "membrane-engineering" to bioelectric recognition cell sensors for the ultra-sensitive detection of superoxide radical: a novel biosensor principle

A new, hybrid type of ultra-sensitive electrophysiological superoxide anion (O2*-) sensor is described, which is based on "membrane-engineered" mammalian cells immobilized in an alginate matrix. The membrane-engineering process involved the electroinsertion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) molecules in the membranes of Vero fibroblast cells, which acted as catalytic units able to convert O2*- to H2O2. Superoxide dismutation triggered changes to the cell membrane potential that were measured by appropriate microelectrodes, according to the principle of the bioelectric recognition assay (BERA). The sensor instantly responded to O2*- with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 100 pM. Combined with a 4-month storage capacity at room temperature, the novel biosensor principle offers new perspectives for monitoring ultra-low concentrations of free radical species and oxidative agents in biological systems.

Development of a new biosensor for superoxide radicals

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensor for determination of superoxide radicals has been developed by immobilization of superoxide dismutase within gelatin (G) on a Pt electrode surface. The properties of the biosensor have been investigated and optimum conditions-enzyme concentration, glutaraldehyde concentration, and pH-were determined. The response of the G-SOD biosensor was proportional to O2*- concentration and the detection limit was 0.01 mmol L(-1) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The biosensor retained 89% and 60% of its sensitivity after use for three and four weeks, respectively. Immobilization of SOD on gelatin provides a biocompatible microenvironment around the enzyme and stabilizes the activity of the enzyme very efficiently. The superoxide dismutase biosensor was used to determine the antioxidant properties of acetylsalicylic acid-based drugs and the anti-radical activity of healthy and cancerous human brain tissues.

A carbon fiber microelectrode-based third-generation biosensor for superoxide anion

Implantable and miniature carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME)-based third-generation biosensor for superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) was fabricated for the first time. The CFME-based biosensor was constructed by electro-deposition of Au nanoparticles on the CFMEs and then modification of the Au nanoparticles by cysteine followed by immobilization of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the electrodes. The direct electrochemistry of the SOD immobilized on the CFME-based electrodes was efficiently realized by electron transfer promoter - cysteine molecules confined on the Au nanoparticles deposited on the CFMEs. The CFME-based biosensors were demonstrated to possess striking analytical properties for O(2)(-) determination, such as optional operation potentials, high selectivity and sensitivity as well as good stability. Along with the implantable capacity inherent in the CFMEs, these striking analytical properties of the CFME-based biosensors substantially make them potential for in vivo determination of O(2)(-).

Biosensors for determination of total antioxidant capacity of phytotherapeutic integrators: comparison with other spectrophotometric, fluorimetric and voltammetric methods

Enzymatic electrodes based on superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensors, working both in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, recently developed by the present authors, were used to experimentally evaluate the antioxidant capacity of several phytotherapeutic diet integrators. The precision of this method of analysis was found to be reasonable (R. S. D. < or = 10%). The results were also compared with those obtained using a traditional spectrophotometric method as well as a spectrofluorimetric method described in literature. Lastly, the comparison was extended to another method based on cyclic voltammetry currently being trialled by the present authors.

A ready-to-use fluorimetric biosensor for superoxide radical using superoxide dismutase and peroxidase immobilized in sol–gel glasses

In this work, a highly sensitive fluorescent biosensor for quantitative superoxide radical detection, based on the coupled reaction superoxide dismutase-peroxidase enzymes and the use of the probe Amplex red, is described. Superoxide anion radical was produced via oxidation of xanthine by xanthine oxidase. Dismutation of superoxide was catalyzed by superoxide dismutase, generating hydrogen peroxide, which reacted stoichiometrically with the nonfluorescent Amplex red, in the presence of peroxidase, yielding the red-fluorescent oxidation product resorufin. The coupled superoxide dismutase-peroxidase system was immobilized in a single sol-gel matrix. The enzymatic activity of the encapsulated superoxide dismutase-peroxidase system was nearly identical to that of one of the soluble enzymes, indicating that sol-gel encapsulation preserved the hierarchy of the enzyme's activity. Specificity and reusability of the encapsulated system for up to four cycles were also demonstrated. The fluorescent biosensor was able to detect concentrations of superoxide as low as 20 nM in phospholipid model membranes composed of saturated or unsaturated phospholipids. These facts make this biosensor a simple, reliable, and highly sensitive method with a potential use in biological systems, food, and drinks.

Comparison of fluorimetric, voltammetric and biosensor methods for the determination of total antioxidant capacity of drug products containing acetylsalicylic acid

Antioxidant capacity of several drug specialities containing as mean component acetylsalicylic acid were experimentally evaluated using an enzymatic electrode, recently developed by the present authors, based on superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. The precision of this method of analysis was found to be good (for drug samples RSD < or = 5%). The results were also compared with those ones by a traditional spectrofluorimetric method and by two other methods, respectively, based on cyclic and pulsed voltammetry, recently trialled by the present authors.

Third-generation superoxide anion sensor based on superoxide dismutase directly immobilized by sol–gel thin film on gold electrode

A third-generation biosensor for superoxide anion (O(2)*-) was developed based on superoxide dismutase (SOD) immobilized by thin silica-PVA sol-gel film on gold electrode surface. A rapid and direct electron transfer of SOD in the thin sol-gel film at the gold electrode was realized without any mediators or promoters. The characterization of the SOD electrodes showed a quasi-reversible electrochemical redox behavior with a formal potential of 80 + 5 mV (versus SCE) in 50 mmol l(-1) phosphate buffer solution (PBS), pH 7.0. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant was evaluated to be about 2.1s(-1). The anodic and cathodic transfer coefficients are 0.6 and 0.4, respectively. Based on biomolecular recognition for specific reactivity of SOD toward O(2)*- the SOD electrode was applied to a sensitive and selective measurement of O(2)*- with the low operation potential (-0.15 V versus SCE) in phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.0. The amperometric response was proportional to O(2)*- concentration in the range of 0.2-1.6 micromol l(-1) and the detection limit was 0.1 micromol l(-1) at a signal-to-noise ration of 3. The preparation of SOD electrode is easy and simple. The uniform porous structure of the silica-PVA sol-gel matrix results in a fast response rate of immobilized SOD and is very efficient for stabilizing the enzyme activity.

Biosensors for determination of total and natural antioxidant capacity of red and white wines: comparison with other spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods

Research was carried out to experimentally evaluate the antioxidant capacity of several red and white wines using a superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensor recently developed by the present authors. Measurements were performed by comparing the biosensor response to increasing concentration of the superoxide radical produced in solution by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, both in the presence and absence of the test sample.The results were compared with those of two traditional spectrophotometric methods and of a spectrofluorimetric method described in literature.Lastly, also the polyphenol, sulfite and ascorbic acid contents of the different wine samples examined were measured using a tyrosinase biosensor, a sulfite oxidase biosensor and an ascorbate oxidase biosensor, respectively.

Determination of the antioxidant capacity of samples of different types of tea, or of beverages based on tea or other herbal products, using a superoxide dismutase biosensor

Research was performed to experimentally evaluate the antioxidant capacity of different plant products sold by herbalists (ginger, dog rose, ginseng and camomile) and of several types of tea (ordinary tea, green tea, detheinated tea, lemon and peach flavoured tea) using a superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensor recently developed by the present authors. Measurements were carried out by comparing biosensor response to the superoxide radical produced in solution using the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system, both in the presence and absence of the antioxidant sample considered. Precision of antioxidant capacity measures for herbal products and for non diluted samples was good, generally with a R.S.D.%< or =10% and a LOD value about 0.1 for relative antioxidant capacity. Also a "pool" of polyphenols from different tea samples was measured using a tyrosinase biosensor (LOD approximately 2 microM).

Determination of antioxidant properties of aromatic herbs, olives and fresh fruit using an enzymatic sensor

The aim was to experimentally evaluate the antioxidant capacity of different fresh aromatic herbs (field balm, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet basil), several varieties of olives from Central Italy ('Carboncello', 'Rosciolo', 'Olivastro', 'Coratello', 'Leccino', 'Frantoio') and several types of fresh fruit (apple, apricot, banana, cherry, fig, grape, medlar, melon, peach, pear, pineapple, plum, water melon, yellow plum) using a superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensor developed by the present authors. Measurements were carried out by comparing the biosensor response to the concentration of superoxide radical produced in solution using a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system in the presence and absence of the antioxidant sample considered. Tests carried out on different samples of fruit and aromatic herbs showed that the homogenised samples had better antioxidant properties than the centrifuged ones (obtained by centrifuging the homogenate), which sometimes gave extremely low antioxidant capacity values. The reliability of the proposed method was checked by comparing the trend of some experimental results found using the SOD biosensor with those reported in the literature obtained using the classic (ORAC) method. The precision of this method of analysis was found to be good for samples of aromatic herbs (RSD% <or=8%), acceptable for homogenised fruit samples (RSD% <or=13%) and less good for homogenised and centrifuged samples (RSD% <or=20%).

Superoxide dismutase-based third-generation biosensor for superoxide anion

A third-generation biosensor for superoxide anion (O2-) was developed by immobilizing superoxide dismutase (SOD) on a self-assembled monolayer of cysteine on gold electrode; i.e., a SOD/cysteine-modified gold electrode (SOD/Cys/Au) was fabricated. A rapid and direct electron transfer of SOD was realized at the gold electrode by using the cysteine molecule as an electron-transfer promoter. The promoted direct electron transfer of SOD and biomolecular recognition by the exploitation of specific and significant enzyme-substrate reactivity of SOD toward O2- combined with the low operating potential enabled a sensitive measurement of O2-. At SOD/Cys/Au, O2- could be specifically oxidized and reduced to O2 and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, through the inherent catalytic reaction of SOD. This allowed us to measure O2- by polarizing the electrode both anodically and cathodically. We could successfully measure O2- by suitably polarizing the electrode, typically at 300 and -200 mV versus Ag/AgCl without the virtual interference from physiological levels of H2O2, ascorbic acid, uric acid, and metabolites of neurotransmitters. The response mechanism of SOD/Cys/Au to O2- and its sensor characteristics are also presented and discussed.

Evaluation of radical scavenging properties of several plants, fresh or from a herbalist's, using a superoxide dismutase biosensor

The experimental evaluation of properties of defence against free radicals represents an extremely interesting heuristic and applicational objective. Research was carried out to experimentally evaluate the scavenging properties of several fruits and plants, fresh or from a herbalist's using an amperometric superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensor recently developed by the present authors. The superoxide radical was produced in solution using the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system; measurements were carried out by comparing biosensor response to superoxide radical both in the presence and absence of the sample considered.