Electrochemical Detection of Organophosphates Using Dual-Modal Enzyme-Based Biosensors

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Organophosphate exposure threatens ecosystems and public health due to high toxicity.
• Rapid detection technologies are crucial for mitigating organophosphate risks.
• Electrochemical biosensors offer a portable, real-time solution for organophosphate monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a portable, compact device for monitoring organophosphate vapors.
• To investigate a dual-modal electrochemical system for detecting dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP).
• To develop a field-deployable sensor with enhanced accuracy and reduced false positives.

Main Methods:

• Utilized phosphotriesterase (PTE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes for DMMP detection.
• Employed open circuit potentiometry and amperometry for signal readout.
• Developed deep eutectic solvent films for enzyme stability and device portability.

Main Results:

• Achieved detection limits of 17.6 ± 8.7 ppm for PTE and 2.5 ± 0.6 ppm for AChE.
• Demonstrated a dual-modal mechanism with complementary verification, reducing false positives.
• Validated the device's utility for detecting a range of organophosphates.

Conclusions:

• A dual-modal electrochemical biosensing system provides a reliable method for organophosphate vapor detection.
• The developed device is field-deployable and suitable for real-time monitoring.
• This technology supports effective agricultural stewardship through accurate organophosphate mapping.