From Graphite to Laccase Biofunctionalized Few-Layer Graphene: A "One Pot" Approach Using a Chimeric Enzyme

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Few-layer graphene (FLG) is a promising nanomaterial with unique electronic properties.
• Functionalization of graphene is crucial for its application in biosensing.
• Enzyme-based strategies offer precise control over nanomaterial modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for biofunctionalizing few-layer graphene using a chimeric enzyme.
• To investigate the use of this biofunctionalized graphene in the electrochemical biosensing of phenols.
• To demonstrate the potential of hydrophobin domains in chimeric enzymes for nanomaterial functionalization.

Main Methods:

• Genetic fusion of a laccase with a hydrophobin domain to create a chimeric enzyme.
• Exfoliation of graphite to produce few-layer graphene in the presence of the hydrophobin.
• Characterization of biofunctionalized few-layer graphene using electrochemistry and Raman spectroscopy.
• Application of the functionalized graphene in the electrochemical detection of catechol and dopamine.

Main Results:

• Successful biofunctionalization of few-layer graphene was achieved using the chimeric enzyme.
• The biofunctionalized graphene exhibited enhanced properties for electrochemical detection.
• The material was effectively used for the sensitive detection of phenols like catechol and dopamine.
• Characterization confirmed the successful integration of the enzyme and graphene.

Conclusions:

• A novel strategy for biofunctionalizing few-layer graphene with chimeric enzymes was established.
• The developed material shows significant potential for electrochemical biosensing applications.
• Hydrophobin domains of chimeric enzymes are effective for modifying nanomaterials.
• This work opens new avenues for enzyme-based nanomaterial functionalization in electrochemistry.