Enzyme-dispersed carbon-nanotube electrodes: a needle microsensor for monitoring glucose

The preparation of an enzyme-dispersed carbon-nanotube (CNT) electrode, based on mixing glucose oxidase (GOx) within CNT, is described. The new binderless biocomposite was packed within a 21-gauge needle and used for amperometric monitoring of glucose. The resulting microsensor offers a low-potential highly selective and sensitive detection of glucose. The high sensitivity and selectivity are coupled to a wide linear range, prolonged lifetime and oxygen independence. About 80% of the GOx activity is retained during a 24 h thermal stress at 90 °C, reflecting the enzyme-stabilization action of CNT. The marked electrocatalytic action towards hydrogen peroxide allows highly selective detection of the glucose substrate at −0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) with no interferences from coexisting ascorbic acid, acetaminophen or uric acid. Linearity prevails up to 40 mM glucose (with analytically useful signals observed up to 0.1 M). Factors affecting the performance of the CNT-based glucose biosensor were assessed and optimized. The attractive performance of the new needle electrode offers great promise for continuous monitoring of glucose in connection to the management of diabetes, and for the biosensing of other metabolites.