Photocolorimetric Biosensor for Detection of Cholinergic Organophosphorus Compounds

Kamila Vymazalová; Jiří Kadlčák; Emil Halámek

doi:10.14429/dsj.62.2589

Kamila Vymazalová Military Technical Institute of Protection
Jiří Kadlčák University of Defense, the Institute of NBC Defence
Emil Halámek Detection and Analytical Department of Military Technical Institute of Protection

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.2589

Keywords: Nerve agent, Ellman´s reaction, tape biosensor, colorimetric detection

Abstract

To detect nerve agents in practice, the analytical methods such as gas, liquid and thin-layer chromatography, mass spectrometry or capillary electrophoresis are usually used. Apart from these analytical methods, we developed an analytical device (tape photocolorimetric biosensor) based on the modified Ellman's cholinesterase biochemical reaction for multidetection of cholinergic organophosphorus compounds. Enzyme butyrylcholinesterase was used as a biorecognizing component and its activity was evaluated by red, blue, green (RGB) sensor. This method eliminates errors in the evaluation and provides automatic data collection with their subsequent evaluation. The unique method of dosing allows appropriate dispensing of reagents in microlitres volumes and the whole system is simple to operate. Suitability of the constructed biosensors was evaluated using the six organophosphates (Tabun, sarin, Soman, cyclosin, VX and R33 compound). Biosensor showed the ability to measure substances at concentrations ranging between ~ 1×10-8 mg/l - 1×10-6 mg/l in the air, according to their inhibition effect.

Defence Science Journal, 2012, 62(6), pp.399-403, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.2589

Author Biographies

Kamila Vymazalová, Military Technical Institute of Protection

Mrs Kamila Vymazalová received her Ing title (Environmental Analytical Chemistry) from the University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno, Czech Republic, in 2008. She is pursuing her PhD from University of Defense, Brno. Presently she is working as research worker in the Military Technical Institute of Protection, Brno.

Jiří Kadlčák, University of Defense, the Institute of NBC Defence

Prof. Emil Halámek completed his graduate and postgraduate studies at the Military Academy in Brno, Czech Republic. He has been working at the University of Defense, the Institute of NBC Defence, Vyškov, Czech Republic. For a long time, he has been cooperating with the Military Technical Institute of Protection, Brno. He applies one’s mind to the problems of chemical warfare agents, with an emphasis on research and development of technical means of chemical research and chemical control.

Emil Halámek, Detection and Analytical Department of Military Technical Institute of Protection

Dr Jiří Kadlcak received his PhD from MAGF Vyskov at 1991. He is working as head of Detection and Analytical Department of Military Technical Institute of Protection, Brno. His areas of interest includes: Stand-off detection CWA based on CO2 DIAL/DISC, point detection and identification real CWA and development the Analytical systems for CWA analysis.