Kazuhiko Kunimoto

Design of novel electron transfer mediators based on indophenol derivatives for lactate sensor

Novel indophenol derivatives which have limited solubility in water solution functioned as excellent electron-transfer mediators for lactate oxidase and a lactate sensor, showing good sensor performance, including a high sensitivity and good durability. These less water-soluble mediators were prepared by the O-alkylation or acylation of indophenols in order to prevent the mediator being leached from the sensor. Consequently the characteristic substituent effects of indophenol derivatives were found to be follows, (1) modification of the phenolic OH group improved sensor durability; (2) the presence of chloride groups at the 2,6-positions of the phenol ring improved the sensitivity of the sensor; (3) the introduction of substituents at the quinoide moiety led to a deterioration in durability. A mediator based lactate sensor using these derivatives was found to be nearly independent of oxygen concentration, showed a low level of interference effect, and a quite long durability.

Novel electron transfer mediators based on p-phenylenediamine for lactate oxidase

p-Phenylenediamine derivatives (PD) have been synthesized and characterized electrochemically with respect to their ability to act as mediators for lactate oxidase (LOD). Consequently, it was found that the size of molecule, non-ionic ethereal substituent, and adequate hydrophilicity were key parameters to improve the mediator efficiency.

Novel electron transfer mediators based on dichloroindophenol derivatives for lactate oxidase

Novel indophenol derivatives were synthesized and characterized electrochemically with respect to their abilities to act as electron-transfer mediators for lactate oxidase. These compounds showed suitable redox potentials and high second-order rate constants, kmed, in solution for electron-transfer from the reduced enzyme. A lactate sensor using these derivatives demonstrated high sensitivity and good substrate selectivity. This sensor could also achieve excellent durability which retained more than 70% residual activity and good linearity in the range from 0 to 16 mM lactate concentration even after 10 days.