Arginine-hydrolyzing enzymes for electrochemical biosensors

Since L-Arginine (Arg) is a semi-essential amino acid for humans, its adequate amount must be consumed in the diet to prevent certain negative consequences related to insufficient synthesis of this amino acid under specific physiological conditions. Arg metabolism results in the production of a biochemically diverse range of such products as urea, some amino acids, creatine, polyamines, nitric oxide, etc. Arg, an important biomarker in clinical diagnostics, is also used for prevention/treatment of different diseases, including cancer and COVID-19. Furthermore, it serves as an indicator of food and beverages quality. A variety of optic and electrochemical methods for Arg determination have already been suggested. The biosensor systems based on the enzymes of Arg metabolism were shown to be the most promising tools for Arg assay. This review focuses on the peculiarities of electrochemical biosensors for Arg assay based on the use of Arg-degrading enzymes and on the analysis of their advantages as compared to other approaches.

Automated summary

L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays important roles in human health. Its metabolism generates various biochemical products and it is used in clinical diagnostics, disease prevention/treatment, and quality assessment of food and beverages. Electrochemical biosensors based on Arg-degrading enzymes are considered promising tools for Arg assay.