Detection of pesticide by polymeric enzyme electrodes

Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) containing immobilized acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme were used for the electrochemical determination of organophosphorous (OP) and carbamate pesticides. The extent of AChE deactivation by the pesticide was determined in the presence of acetylcholine (AChCl) substrate. The unique nature of this approach lies in the enzyme immobilization procedure in which AChE was attached to the SPE by in situ bulk polymerization of acrylamide to ensure efficient adherence within the membrane with minimal losses in enzyme activity. Responses were observed for the pesticides Monocrotophos, Malathion, Metasystox and Lannate over the concentration range 0–10 ppb (μg L−1).