New enzyme-based biosensor may aid in rapid disease screening and metabolism assessment

Scientists from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) introduce an easy method for manufacturing biosensors made from electrospun polymers. By embedding enzymes inside the polymer string, the enzymes were operational even in a dry state. These biosensors can be used to screen certain diseases, as well as to monitor environments for specific chemical compounds in the air.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that allow many chemical reactions vital for life to progress much faster than they normally would. One of the remarkable features of some enzymes is their strong specificity, in which the reaction will work with certain target molecules, but not with even very similar ones. Scientists have known for a long time that these properties can be utilized to create highly sensitive and accurate biosensors for specific substances, including those associated with the disease. However, most conventional biosensors require keeping the enzyme in a wet condition so that they do not become denatured and lose their ability to catalyze reactions.

Now, a collaborative team of researchers from TMDU and Waseda University led by Professors Kohji Mitsubayashi and Naoya Takeda created a non-invasive biosensor for volatile organic compounds in the form of a solid mesh. A solution of polyvinyl alcohol was first combined with the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase and the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine. The mixture was forced through a nozzle at a high voltage. Thin fibers of polymer accumulated on the collector plate, with the enzyme embedded inside, until a solid mesh was obtained. The presence of ethanol vapor could be detected based on a significant increase in fluorescent activity.

"We found that immobilizing the enzymes inside the mesh preserved their activity, even under ambient conditions," author Misa Nakaya says. The researchers performed tests to determine the optimal pH conditions and evaluated the relationship between fluorescence intensity and applied ethanol quantity. They also found that the biosensor's fluorescence was not triggered when exposed to other volatile compounds, such as acetone or methanol, so specificity was maintained.

Our dry-form biosensor for detecting chemicals in the air will have a much better chance at obtaining widespread commercial adoption because of its ease of fabrication." 

Kohji Mitsubayashi,  Author

Having the capacity to produce solid biosensors quickly and cheaply may enable new point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring systems for use in the field.