Evaluation of the immobilisation of acetylcholinesterase enzyme by biocarbone for the determination of food pestcide

Abstract

The accumulation of pesticides based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) in our body induces to severe neurologic and motor disorders by the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), thus, monitoring of potentially toxic levels in food is fundamental. Biocarbon is obtained from the pyrolysis of agroindustry and forest waste, adding value to these residues. It has similar applications and characteristics to the most well-known carbon-based compounds such as graphene. The high surface area and good electrical conductivity stands out, but the simple methodology and low cost to obtain the biocarbon make the material more attractive in its use in the modification of electrochemical sensors for monitoring contaminants, like carbamate class pesticides. In this research project, the combination of biocarbon with the enzyme AChE will be analyzed and featured as a new electrochemical biosensor for quantification and monitoring of the pesticide known as carbaryl in tomato samples. (AU)