Poly-o-aminophenol as a laccase mediator and influence of the enzyme on the polymer electrodeposition

Applicability of poly-o-aminophenol (POAP) as a redox mediator for fungal laccase is investigated. Laccase has been entrapped by means of electrochemical polymerization. The obtained layers have been characterized by cyclic voltammetry, as well as by spectroscopic methods. The enzyme activity has been verified by the standard test using syringaldazine. Laccase immobilized in the POAP matrix catalyses oxygen reduction without any additional mediators. POAP is able to mediate the electron transfer between the enzyme active site and the electrode surface similarly to poly-o-phenylenediamine which has been studied previously, but its redox potential is shifted significantly towards positive values. The role of laccase in electrodeposition of POAP has been studied. It has been found that the presence of the enzyme influences the structure of electrodeposited films. Furthermore, laccase facilitates the electrodeposition. The monomer-o-aminophenol (OAP) belongs to typical laccase substrates. The polymer can be precipitated from the solution containing the monomer and laccase. The morphology of POAP formed by laccase differs from typical polymer samples synthesized chemically or electrochemically. It contains round microstructures composed of nano-needles. Laccase is therefore a promising polymerization initiator for synthesis of nanostructured conducting polymers.