Development of a Gas-Phase Biosensor for Trimethylamine Using a Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase 3

Abstract

Biosensors for trimethylamine (TMA) in the liquid- and gas-phases were constructed using a flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) and a substrate regeneration cycle with reducing agents. The enzyme electrode for TMA in the liquid-phase was calibrated against TMA solutions from 0.5 to 175 mmol·l-1, covering the concentration range encountered in the corrupt fish-flesh. The gas-phase biosensor for TMA, fabricated by incorporating the enzyme electrode into a reaction cell with both gas- and liquid-phase compartments separated a porous PTFE diaphragm membrane, could be used to measure TMA in the gas phase with high selectivity.