The inhibition effect of the selected heavy metals (Ag+, Cd2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+) on glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme from Aspergillus niger (EC 1.1.3.4.) was studied using a new amperometric biosensor with an electrochemical transducer based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) covered with a thin layer of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporated with ruthenium(IV) oxide as a redox mediator. Direct adsorption of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and subsequent covering with Nafion® layer was used for immobilization of GOx. The analytical figures of merit of the developed glucose (Glc) biosensor are sufficient for determination of Glc in body fluids in clinical analysis. From all tested heavy metals, mercury(II) has the highest inhibition effect. However, it is necessary to remember that cadmium and silver ions also significantly inhibit the catalytic activity of GOx. Therefore, the development of GOx biosensors for selective indirect determination of each heavy metal still represents a challenge in the field of bioelectroanalysis. It can be concluded that amperometric biosensors, differing in the utilized enzyme, could find their application in the toxicity studies of various poisons.

Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Purkynova 123 CZ 612 00 Brno Czech Republic

Czech Republic CEITEC MU Nanobiotechnol Group Kamenice 5 CZ 62500 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Analytical Chemistry Faculty of Chemical Technology University of Pardubice Studentská 573 532 10 Pardubice Czech Republic

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 1 CZ 613 00 Brno Czech Republic

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Bis(2,2'-bipyridil)Copper(II) Chloride Complex: Tyrosinase Biomimetic Catalyst or Redox Mediator?