Detection of Phenolic Compounds by Laccase Biosensors: A Review

Abstract

Laccase [EC 1.10.3.2] is the most extensively studied copper-containing oxido-reductase enzyme that can be isolated from bacteria, fungi and plants. Laccase catalyses the oxidation reaction i.e. electron-transfer from phenolic compounds in the presence of molecular oxygen without requiring a cofactor. It had high potential for oxidation of phenols and benzenediols. Several traditional methods were followed for detection of phenolic compounds like spectrophotometry and chromatography but these are in-efficient, expensive and required trained personal to operate. These limitations were overcome by laccase-based biosensors, which are simple, sensitive, highly specific, rapid and cost-effective. This review article describes various types of immobilization of laccase onto transducer in laccase biosensors, their mechanism of action, selectivity, sensitivity and applications in different fields.