Novel conductometric biosensor based on three-enzyme system for selective determination of heavy metal ions

A differential pair of planar thin-film interdigitated electrodes, deposited on a ceramic pad, was used as a conductometric transducer. The three-enzyme system (invertase, mutarotase, glucose oxidase), immobilized on the transducer surface, was used as a bioselective element. The ratio between enzymes in the membrane was found experimentally considering the highest biosensor sensitivity to substrate (sucrose) and heavy metal ions. Optimal concentration of sucrose for inhibitory analysis was 1.25 mM and incubation time in the investigated solution amounted to 10–20 min. The developed biosensor demonstrated the best sensitivity toward ions Hg2+ and Ag+. A principal possibility of the biosensor reactivation either by EDTA solution after inhibition with silver ions or by cysteine solution after inhibition with mercury ions was shown.

► A novel biosensor for determination of heavy metal ions has been developed.
► Selective membrane was based on mixture of invertase, mutarotase, glucose oxidase.
► The biosensor working characteristics for toxicants analysis were investigated.
► The developed biosensor demonstrated best sensitivity towards ions Hg2+ and Ag+.