Electrophoretically deposited carbon nanotubes as a novel support for electrogenerated silica–dehydrogenase bioelectrodes

The electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on glassy carbon electrode was used here for the development of porous matrix with enhanced electroactive surface area. The prepared layer displayed a catalytic activity toward NADH oxidation and was used as a support for the d-sorbitol dehydrogenase immobilization. The electrochemically assisted deposition (EAD) method was performed to generate around carbon nanotubes sol–gel biocomposite films containing the enzyme and a cationic polyelectrolyte. The response of the immobilized enzyme strongly depended on the parameters of sol–gel deposition as well as the thickness of carbon nanotubes layer. The electrocatalytic oxidation of d-sorbitol using such modified electrode was used here as a model to discuss the interest of such silica–carbon nanotubes composite in the field of bioelectrochemistry and biosensors.

► Electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) for bioelectrochemical devices. ► Controlled electrochemical deposition of sol–gel biocomposite on the CNT assembly. ► Encapsulation of d-sorbitol dehydrogenase for d-sorbitol electroenzymatic oxidation. ► Analytical characteristics of the optimal bioelectrode configuration.