Introduction of bifunctional group onto MWNT by radiation-induced graft polymerization and its use as biosensor-supporting materials

Abstract

A biosensor comprising tyrosinase immobilized on bifunctionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) supports was prepared for the detection of phenolic compounds in drinks such as red wine and juices. The MWNT supports were prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) of epoxy-containing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), to covalently immobilize the tyrosinase, and vinyl ferrocene (VF), which can act as an electron transfer mediator via redox reactions. The bifunctionalized MWNTs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrodes prepared with the MWNTs showed increased current with increasing VF content. A biosensor comprising tyrosinase immobilized on the bifunctionalized MWNTs could detect phenol at 0.120mM. Phenolics in red wine and juices were determined using the biosensor after its calibration. © Copyright 2012 Yu-Jin Lee et al.