Abstract

The present review summarizes the literature on applications and development of polyphenol oxidase-based biosensors for detection of phenolic compounds present in industrial waste waters. Phenolic compounds including phenol and its derivatives: bisphenol A, catechol, and cresol are widely used in industrial processes but cause toxicity to living organisms and can be bioaccumulated in environment and food chain. Global production of phenolic compounds is about 50,000 tons per annum. The presence of these compounds in air, water, and food poses toxicity risks to human health and environment. Monitoring of concentration of phenolic compounds is necessary to avoid the risks posed by these compounds. Conventional methods for the detection and quantification of these compounds include laboratory-based spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. Biosensors can be efficient alternatives to conventional methods due to their inherent specificity, simplicity and quick responsiveness and can play an important role in improving quality of life. Polyphenol oxidase-based biosensors can potentially be applied to detect phenolic compounds in various biological and non-biological materials.

Key words: Polyphenol oxidase; biosensor; phenolics; tyrosinase, laccase