Development of a mass-producible glucose biosensor and flow-injection analysis system suitable for on-line monitoring during fermentations

Screen printed amperometric glucose biosensors were constructed and optimised for use in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system. The sensors were fabricated using a catalytic metallised carbon based ink, allowing a working potential of +350 mV (Ag/AgCl). Overall the sensors displayed a high degree of reliability and robustness. A linear response was obtained over the range 0.1 to 25 mM glucose with a slope of 1.35 ± 0.20 μA/mM. The within electrode coefficient of variation at each concentration tested (n = 10) was less than 2% (or 0.1 mM for concentrations below 5 mM). In addition, it was demonstrated that a single sensor can be used in the FIA system over a seven day period indicating a high level of operational stability. These sensors fulfil the criteria necessary for a mass produced device, which would be suitable for the on-line monitoring of glucose consumption during microbial fermentation.