Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
08:19
Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
14.9K
A Semisolid Polymer-Based Electrochemical Cell for Electrostimulated Lactate Detection.
Carolina Vitales1, Jordi Sans1,2,3, Adrián Fontana-Escartín1,2
1IMEM-BRT Group, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany 10-14, Building I, Second Floor, 08019 Barcelona, Spain.
ACS Omega
|January 1, 2026
Summary
A novel organic electrochemical cell immobilizes lactic acid (LLA) and detects its oxidation to pyruvate using a unique PP/PEDOT electrode. This nonenzymatic sensor offers improved lactate analysis for various industries.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Lactic acid (LA) analysis is crucial in biomedical, food, and beverage industries.
- Current methods for LA quantification can be limited in speed and efficiency.
- Development of nonenzymatic sensors offers a promising alternative for LA detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a fully organic electrochemical cell for lactic acid (LLA) immobilization and lactate (LA) oxidation detection.
- To develop a novel bilayer semiconducting electrode for nonenzymatic LA analysis.
- To improve analytical methods for LA quantification in various industrial applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bilayer semiconducting electrode using poly-(propylene) (PP) and doped poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT).
- Utilized the PP/PEDOT electrode as both working and counter electrodes for monitoring the LA/pyruvate redox reaction.
- Employed electrochemical tools and UV-visible spectroscopy for biomolecule quantification.
- Developed a polymer-based electrochemical cell (PEC) using a poly-(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) hydrogel electrolyte.
Main Results:
- Achieved immobilization of LLA and detection of LA oxidation to pyruvate.
- Demonstrated faster pyruvate release (100% conversion in 360 min) under electrical stimulation using PP/PEDOT-LA electrodes.
- The poly-(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) hydrogel electrolyte facilitated efficient electrochemical reactions.
- The developed sensor showed potential for accurate LA and pyruvate quantification.
Conclusions:
- A fully organic electrochemical cell with a novel PP/PEDOT electrode was successfully developed for nonenzymatic LA analysis.
- The use of a γ-PGA hydrogel electrolyte enhanced the performance of the polymer-based electrochemical cell (PEC).
- This innovative sensor design offers a promising advancement for LA quantification in biomedical, food, and beverage sectors.
