Context

A highly efficient redox mediator has been formed via electro-oxidation of aromatic compounds (pyrene) on nanostructured bioelectrodes for the electron transfer between glucose oxidizing enzymes (such as Flavine Adenine Dinucleotide – Glucose Dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) and an electrode

Technical description

This bioanode is formed after initial immobilization of pyrene on a macroscopic carbon nanotube electrode and subsequent electro-oxidation in water. The resulting electroactive pyrene oxide has appropriate redox potential for efficient electron transfer with FAD dependent glucose oxidizing enzymes. This bioanode can be integrated with a biocathode in a glucose biofuel cell setup.

Development stage

Electrodes fabricated at laboratory scale.

Benefits

Improved electronic transfer cinetic and improved lifetime compared to traditional mediators such as naphthoquinone and phénanthrolinequinone or redox hydrogels

Wide diversity of redox mediators achievable and tunable to the chosen enzymes

Increased stability of the redox mediators, with few release

One-step synthesis directly on the electrode, no need for encapsulation, polymerisation or supramolecular assemblies

Industrial applications

Enzymatic biofuel cells powering low-energy devices with medium lifetimes

Power supply for mobile electronic devices

Glucose biosensors (e.g. for blood sugar control)