An enzymatic biofuel cell based on electrically wired polyphenol oxidase and glucose oxidase operating under physiological conditions

This paper reports the development and optimisation of a glucose/O2 biofuel cell. At the anode, the glucose oxidation was performed by glucose oxidase (GOx) co-immobilised with a phenanthrenequinone mediator. At the cathode, the catalysis of O2 using tetrathiafulvalene and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) has been demonstrated for the first time. The open circuit voltage (OCV) of the optimised biofuel cell reached 0.32 V, and the maximum power density achieved was 40.8 μW cm−2 at 0.2 V. This original new GBFC showed quasi-stability in both OCV and power density for more than 25 days.

► A fast and easy screening of redox mediator for enzymes by microcavity electrodes.
► Bioelectrodes result from compression of graphite particle, enzyme and redox mediator.
► Biocathode based on polyphenol oxidase and TTF for oxygen reduction.
► Biofuel cell based on polyphenol and glucose oxidases for physiological fluids.