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Inhibited enzyme electrodes. Part 3. A sensor for low levels of H2S and HCN
W J Albery1, A E Cass, B P Mangold
1Department of Chemistry, Imperial College, London, UK.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study demonstrates a cytochrome oxidase enzyme electrode sensitive to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and azide ions. Rapid analysis of inhibitor concentrations is achieved using a novel theoretical model and software.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Enzyme-based biosensors
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Enzyme electrodes offer sensitive detection of various analytes.
- Cytochrome oxidase is a key enzyme in cellular respiration.
- Understanding inhibition kinetics is crucial for sensor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an enzyme electrode for detecting H2S, HCN, and azide ions.
- To analyze the kinetics of inhibition and recovery processes.
- To enable rapid quantification of these inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a cytochrome oxidase enzyme electrode.
- Applying a theoretical model for inhibition kinetics analysis (Albery et al., 1990a).
- Developing custom software for differential equation rearrangement and data processing.
Main Results:
- The enzyme electrode successfully responded to H2S, HCN, and azide ion.
- Kinetics of inhibition and recovery were accurately modeled.
- Concentration values were obtained within seconds.
- Detection limits: 1 ppm for H2S (gas phase), 0.4 μmol dm⁻³ for HCN and azide (solution phase).
Conclusions:
- The developed enzyme electrode provides a rapid and sensitive method for detecting H2S, HCN, and azide ions.
- The kinetic analysis model and software enhance sensor performance for real-time monitoring.
- This approach has potential applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety.