Inhibition and activation of glucose oxidase bioanodes for use in a self-powered EDTA sensor

Self-powered sensors are able to automatically signal the presence of a specific analyte without the aid of an external power source, making them useful as potential devices for batteryless sensing. Here, we present a self-powered enzymatic ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) sensor based on the inhibition and subsequent activation of glucose oxidase (GOx)-based bioelectrodes within the framework of a biofuel cell. Although EDTA is not redox-active, it is detected by the activation of a Cu(2+)-inhibited GOx bioanode in either a typical amperometric sensor (using a standard three-electrode setup) or in a self-powered sensor where the GOx bioanode is coupled to a platinum cathode. The sensors are able to detect concentrations of EDTA that correspond to the amount of Cu(2+) that is used to inhibit the enzymatic electrode. The self-powered sensor shows a greater than 10-fold increase in power output when it is activated by the presence of EDTA. This represents the first time that a non-redox-active analyte has been detected in a self-powered sensor that turns on in the presence of said analyte.