Enzymatic Oxygen Microsensor Based on Bilirubin Oxidase Applied to Microbial Fuel Cells Analysis

• Published in: Electroanalysis (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 327 - 335
• Main Authors: Grattieri, Matteo, Babanova, Sofia, Santoro, Carlo, Guerrini, Edoardo, Trasatti, Stefano PM, Cristiani, Pierangela, Bestetti, Massimiliano, Atanassov, Plamen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01-02-2015; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Bilirubin oxidase; Biocathode; Biochemical fuel cells; Biofilm; Biofilms; Biosensor; Electrodes; MFC; Microorganisms; Oxidase; Oxygen content; Oxygen measurement; Sensors; Silica gel; Waste water
• ISSN: 1040-0397; 1521-4109
• DOI: 10.1002/elan.201400543

A selective oxygen biosensor based on bilirubin oxidase (BOx) was developed. The sensor was used for determining oxygen profiles in a membraneless, single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC), fed with raw wastewater. The linear response of the sensor was optimized by a diffusion layer of silica gel. A computer‐controlled stage was used to obtain accurate and precise measurements. Oxygen concentration in biofilms covering electrodes was measured, showing 3 mg L−1 of O2 in the bulk solution, decreasing to 0 mg L−1 in the cathodic biofilm. The MFC generated power in the range of 0–0.08 mW, associated to the oxygen content.