Patent ID: 6113762
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
A microbial sensor for measuring a chemical or biological component present in a solution, comprising:(a) a microbial electrode comprising:an electric conductor;a microorganism cell layer fixed on and electronically contacted with the electric conductor to detect transfer of electrons generated by the microorganism cells when metabolizing the chemical or biological component; andan insulating layer which insulates the electric conductor from the solution when in use;(b) a counter electrode which is in contact with the solution when used;(c) a support having two faces insulated from each other, wherein the electric conductor of the microbial electrode is fixed on one of the faces to sandwich said electric conductor between said microorganism cell layer and said support, and the counter electrode is fixed on the other face of said support;(d) a generator of electric potential which generates an electric potential between the counter electrode and the microbial electrode to facilitate transfer of electrons therebetween generated by the microorganism cells; and(e) a detector for measuring the electric current passing between the counter electrode and the microbial electrode; whereby the chemical or biological component is measured based on a predetermined correlation between the measured electric current and the amount of electrons transferred by the microorganism cells when metabolizing the chemical or biological component.