Laccase cathode approaches to physiological conditions by local pH acidification

A new conceptual approach to improve the performance of a laccase-based cathode at neutral pH is presented. The working pH of Trametes hirsuta laccase, typically acidic, can be achieved by oxidation of biological compounds such as glucose catalyzed by a second enzyme immobilized in the vicinity of the laccase electrode.

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► Improvement of Trametes hirsuta laccase as biocathode catalyst under physiological conditions is presented.
► Electrode modified with laccase is socketed in a magnet.
► Acidifying magnetic nanoparticles are confined close to the biocathode.
► Local pH is acidified while keeping bulk pH neutral but changing it locally in the vicinity of the electrode.
► Oxygen electrorreduction by laccase is performed while keeping neutral bulk pH.