From the use of electrochemistry for the detection of glucose by Clark and Lyons1 to the modern glucose monitors of today, bioelectrochemistry has relied heavily on the use of mediators. Mediators (e.g. ferrocene, methylene blue) facilitate electron transfer at the mediator's potential without the requirement of a high overvoltage for the biological compound. However, the need for mediators frequently changes the properties of the host macromolecules such as enzymes, cells, biofilms, antibodies, or DNA; leading to total loss in bioactivity or stability2.            Recent work from our laboratory has demonstrated a proportional relationship between current and the number of metabolic active cells3. We will describe mediator-free bioelectrochemical reactions as promising indicators of microbial activity, and for proliferation of aerobic organisms. In fact, addition of a mediator only diminishes the signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, the use of mediators interferes with molecular interactions by blocking a binding site or leading to false negative responses.

Mediator-free bioelectrochemical detection of E.<i>coli</i>

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Mediator-free bioelectrochemical detection of E.coli