Bio Sensor

Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic 10 Ž2000. 177–181 www.elsevier.comrlocatermolcatb

Enzyme sensors for environmental analysis

Isao Karube ) , Yoko Nomura

Research Center for AdÕanced Science and Technology, The UniÕersity of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904 Japan Received 30 June 1999; accepted 23 August 1999

Abstract Biosensors are occasionally used to monitor pollutants in aquatic environment such as river or drinking water. Numerous important biosensors using enzymes have been fabricated for environmental monitoring purposes. Since immobilization of biomaterials such as enzymes are very important in the fabrication of biosensors for environmental monitoring, many intelligent materials such as photorosslinking polymers have been developed recently. This review introduces several immobilization materials and enzyme sensors for environmental monitoring Že.g. phosphate sensors.. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Biosensor; Enzyme; Immobilization; Phosphate sensor

1. Introduction There is a strong demand for environmental monitoring technologies today due to the ever increasing environmental pollutions. Water can be polluted by toxicants Že.g. cyanide, heavy metals or pesticides. andror eutrophicants Že.g. phosphate or nitrogen compounds. . Eutrophication of water leads to overgrowth of plants and toxic algae thereby making it unsuitable for drinking or industrial uses. Monitoring these contaminants in water is of extreme importance considering the impact that such polluted water would have on our everyday lives. In situ monitoring of pollutants in water is highly desirable because it would allow us to

monitor such pollutants in real-time and take immediate measures to remedy any unwanted situations. Biosensors are important class of sensors in this regard. Enzyme, immuno- and microbial sensors intended for environmental monitoring have been developed and reviewed previously by Karube et al. w1x....