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A whole-cell amperometric herbicide biosensor based on magnetically functionalised microalgae and screen-printed
Alsu I Zamaleeva1, Ilziya R Sharipova1, Rezeda V Shamagsumova2
1Biomaterials and Nanomaterials Group, Department of Biochemistry, Kazan (Idel buye/Volga region) Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, 420008, Republic of Tatarstan, RF. kazanbio@gmail.com.
Researchers developed a novel amperometric whole-cell biosensor using magnetic nanoparticles to immobilize microalgae for rapid herbicide detection. This innovative method allows for sensitive and efficient analysis of environmental contaminants like atrazine and propazine.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biosensor Technology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate and rapid detection of herbicides in the environment is crucial for ecological and human health.
- Existing biosensor technologies often face challenges with cell immobilization and maintaining cellular activity.
- Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) offer potential for efficient cell manipulation and biosensor fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate an amperometric whole-cell herbicide biosensor utilizing magnetic retention of microalgae.
- To assess the efficacy of MNP-functionalized microalgae as a sensing element for herbicide detection.
- To evaluate the biosensor's performance in detecting specific triazine herbicides, atrazine and propazine.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of Chlorella pyrenoidosa microalgae with biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).
- Immobilization of MNP-functionalized microalgae onto a screen-printed electrode using a permanent magnet.
- Amperometric detection of ferricyanide ion current under alternating illumination to quantify herbicide presence.
Main Results:
- The magnetic functionalization did not compromise microalgae viability or photosynthesis-mediated herbicide recognition.
- The developed biosensor successfully detected atrazine within a concentration range of 0.9 to 74 µM (LOD 0.7 µM).
- The biosensor detected propazine within a concentration range of 0.6 to 120 µM (LOD 0.4 µM).
Conclusions:
- The MNP-based magnetic retention method provides efficient and reversible immobilization of whole cells for biosensing.
- This approach enables fast and sensitive detection of triazine herbicides without affecting cellular metabolism.
- The presented methodology holds broad applicability for developing various whole-cell biosensors.
