An in situ amperometric biosensor for the detection of vapours from explosive compounds

Analyst. 2008 May;133(5):621-5. doi: 10.1039/b713269g. Epub 2007 Nov 30.

Abstract

An amperometric biosensor based on genetically-modified enzymes was used for the in situ detection of trace vapours from a number of explosive compounds. The vapour samples that were generated from a purpose-built vapour generator were collected and pre-concentrated using a trap able to concentrate samples at a rate of 60-fold per minute of sampling. The amperometric biosensor achieved a remarkably low vapour detection limit of 6 parts per trillion from a room temperature sample. The specific activity of the reported enzyme toward a number of explosive compounds was also confirmed using absorbance measurements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Environmental Monitoring / instrumentation
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Explosive Agents / analysis*
  • Gases / analysis*
  • Security Measures*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Explosive Agents
  • Gases