Practical and Rapid Membrane-Based Biosensor for Phenol Using Copper/Calcium-Enzyme Hybrid Nanoflowers

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Phenol is a highly toxic pollutant commonly found in industrial wastewater.
• Effective and rapid detection methods for phenol are crucial for environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green, simple, and rapid biosensor for qualitative phenol detection.
• To utilize horseradish peroxidase (HRP) hybrid nanoflowers for enhanced enzyme immobilization and stability.

Main Methods:

• Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was immobilized onto copper (Cu2+-hNF) or calcium (Ca2+-hNF) hybrid nanoflowers via self-assembly.
• The hybrid structures were supported on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes.
• Characterization was performed using SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XRD; stability and optimal conditions were assessed.

Main Results:

• Successful enzyme encapsulation within hybrid nanoflower structures was confirmed.
• Immobilized HRP retained optimal activity at 60°C and pH 7.4, similar to free HRP.
• The developed biosensors detected phenol concentrations from 0.72 to 24.00 µmol/mL within 1 minute, outperforming free enzyme controls.

Conclusions:

• The developed HRP hybrid nanoflower biosensors provide a promising, rapid, and sensitive platform for functional phenol detection in environmental samples.
• The green immobilization method enhances enzyme stability and performance, offering a viable solution for industrial effluent monitoring.