An electrochemical sensor for detection of laccase activities from Penicillium simplicissimum in compost based on carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode

An electrochemical sensor for detection of the activity of laccase from Penicillium simplicissimum isolated from the composting has been developed. The sensor is based on glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The introduction of CNTs into this system can greatly enhance the electrochemical signal in this assay more sensitively, selectively and rapidly than that in conventional spectrophotometric assays. It was found that the optimal pH value of the electrolyte was 5.6. The results showed a good linear correlation between the current and the concentration of laccase activities measured by spectrophotometry, where the Current slope was measured by chronoamperometry with a coefficient of 0.9835. Therefore, this electrochemical sensor can be used for rapid detection of laccase activity from P. simplicissimum. Furthermore, it may be potentially used for rapid quantification of P. simplicissimum according to the relationship between the laccase activities and the biomass. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.