FLOW-CELL FIBEROPTIC ENZYME SENSOR FOR PHENOLS

A solid-state fibre-optic luminescent oxygen sensor was used for flow- through measurements. It acts as a transducer in a new flow-cell enzym e sensor arrangement. This arrangement comprises a flow path, sample i njector, microcolumn with the immobilized enzyme, oxygen membrane and fibre-optic connector joined together to form an integral unit. Laccas e enzyme was used as a recognition system which provided specific oxid ation of the substrates with the dissolved oxygen being monitored. The assay procedure was optimized and performance of the new system studi ed. The sensor was applied to the determination polyphenol content in tea, brandy, etc. (quality control test). The sensitivity to some impo rtant phenolic compounds was tested with the view of industrial wastew ater control applications.