P-benzoquinone-mediated amperometric biosensor developed with Psychrobacter sp. for toxicity testing of heavy metals

► A rapid and reliable amperometric mediated bacterial biosensor for heavy metal toxicity assessment was developed. ► The biosensor adopted Psychrobacter sp. as biocomponent and p-benzoquinone as mediator. ► The biosensor gives a measurable response in 30 min. ► The biosensor can incorporate different microbial species as biocomponent for toxicity assessment. ► The Psychrobacter sp. ToxTell biosensor demonstrated excellent storage stability for more than 60 days.