Optical Algal Biosensor using Alkaline Phosphatase for Determination of Heavy Metals

Abstract

A biosensor is constructed to detect heavy metals from inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (AP) present on the external membrane of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae. The microalgal cells are immobilized on removable membranes placed in front of the tip of an optical fiber bundle inside a homemade microcell. C. vulgaris was cultivated in the laboratory and its alkaline phosphatase activity is strongly inhibited in the presence of heavy metals. This property has been used for the determination of those toxic compounds.

Applications of Microbial Whole-Cell Biosensors in Detection of Specific Environmental Pollutants

“…The development of chemical responsive biosensors exploits the high specificity of regulatory protein interactions with chemicals. Examples are depicted in microbial biosensors used for detection of aromatic hydrocarbon [29,40,49], heavy metals [9,11,13], pesticides/herbicides [10,47], and various organophosphorous nerve agents [21].…”

Alteração da atividade enzimática em organismos aquáticos por poluentes de origem agrícola: uma abordagem geral e sobre a suscetibilidade da fosfatase ácida

“…[80][81][82][83][84] Neste sentido, com base no conhecimento da interação poluente-enzima, biossensores para a detecção de metais pesados e agroquímicos foram construídos com fundamentos na inibição da fosfatase alcalina presente em algas. 85,86 Portanto, tem se demonstrado que a medida da atividade enzimática pode ser usada como um bioindicador da presença de poluentes, consumindo menor tempo de análise e requerendo menores recursos financeiros. 31,32 Além disto, devemos considerar que a qualidade do efeito para vários agentes químicos tende a ser semelhante à que ocorre no organismo vivo.…”

Biosensors for environmental applications: Future development trends

“…Metals are usually determined after digestion with strong acids. Common analytical techniques used are ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma, and polarography [114]. Heavy metals can also be determined with ion-selective electrodes.…”

“…Durrieu and Tran-Minh described a biosensor for the determination of heavy metals based on inhibition of the AP present on the external membrane of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae. The microalgae cells were immobilized on removable membranes placed in front of the tip of an optical fiber [114]. Krawczynski vel Krawczyk et al [113] studied the inhibition effect of mercury and other heavy metal ions on urea hydrolysis catalyzed by urease immobilized in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer at the surface of a pH electrode in the form of potentiometric biosensor.…”