Phenylalanine biosensor based on a nanostructured fiberglass paper support and fluorescent output signal readable with a smartphone

The latest trends in analytical technology are focused on the development of miniaturized, portable systems for on-site analysis of the most important human health biomarkers. These analytical devices should be sensitive, selective, cheap, and simple in usage for the end-point user. Here we describe the construction of a new Lphenylalanine biosensor system based on smartphone-adapted analysis of the fluorescence output. The NAD+-L-phenylalanine dehydrogenase immobilized on silica nanoparticles (200 nm) was used as a biorecognition sensor element and 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium methyl sulfate (MPMS) was used as a fluorescent probe. The highly porous fiberglass paper used as a sensor support provides an efficient bioelement load and stabilization while increasing the fluorescence output. The developed biosensor is characterized with accurate L-phenylalanine analysis in the linear frames of 5 - 200 mu M and high storage stability (the sensor lost less than 10 % of the initial output during two-month storage). Importantly, the developed technique is very simple and does not depend on the use of any sophisticated analytical instrumentation, since it needs only a UV lamp and a standard smartphone, which makes it very promising for routine analysis of L-phenylalanine.

Automated summary

This research describes the construction of a new L-phenylalanine biosensor system based on smartphone-adapted analysis of the fluorescence output. The developed biosensor is sensitive, selective, cheap, and simple to use, making it promising for routine analysis of L-phenylalanine.