Amperometric tyrosinase biosensor based on a sol–gel-derived titanium oxide–copolymer composite matrix for detection of phenolic compounds

A new type of tyrosinase biosensor was developed for the detection of phenolic compounds, based on the immobilization of tyrosinase in a sol–gel-derived composite matrix that is composed of titanium oxide sol and a grafting copolymer of poly(vinyl alcohol) with 4-vinylpyridine. Tyrosinase entrapped in the composite matrix can retain its activity to a large extent owing to the good biocompatibility of the matrix. The parameters of the fabrication process and the variables of the experimental conditions for the enzyme electrode were optimized. The resulting sensor exhibited a fast response (20 s), high sensitivity (145.5 μA mmol−1 l) and good storage stability. A detection limit of 0.5 μM catechol was obtained at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.