A Self-Powered Biosensor for the Detection of Glutathione

• Main Authors: Brandon G. Roy, Julia L. Rutherford, Anna E. Weaver, Kevin Beaver, Michelle Rasmussen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Biosensors
• Subjects: glutathione; neurodegenerative disorder; self-powered; biofuel cell; biosensor; bilirubin oxidase
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/10/9/114

Glutathione is an important biological molecule which can be an indicator of numerous diseases. A method for self-powered detection of glutathione levels in solution has been developed using an enzymatic biofuel cell. The device consists of a glucose oxidase anode and a bilirubin oxidase cathode. For the detection of glutathione, the inhibition of bilirubin oxidase leads to a measurable decrease in current and power output. The reported method has a detection limit of 0.043 mM and a linear range up to 1.7 mM. Being able to detect a range of concentrations can be useful in evaluating a patient’s health. This method has the potential to be implemented as a quick, low-cost alternative to previously reported methods.