# Development of Paper Biosensor for the Detection of Phenol from Industrial Effluents Using Bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps Mediated by Novel IsolateStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39

Authors: Bi Bi Zainab Mazhari; Dayanand Agsar; M. V. N. Ambika Prasad
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2017)

---

## Abstract

Paper biosensor was developed using Tyr-AuNps bioconjugate produced byStreptomyces for the detection of phenol from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries. Among three filter papers assessed, Whatman number 2 filter paper was proved to be the best paper base for the development of biosensor. Tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles being produced by a single novel isolateStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39 proved to be efficient bioconjugate for the detection of phenol constituents, due to its biocompatibility. The substrate specific catalytic activity of the tyrosinase and unique Surface Plasmon Resonance attribute of gold nanoparticles are the cause for efficient detection of phenol constituents from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries in 3 min. The different types and quantity of phenolic constituents in various industrial effluents, such as phenol in wine, dopamine in paper, and catechol in plastic effluents, were accurately detected by the bioconjugate. The efficacy of tyrosinase in the detection of phenol constituents was expected to be enhanced by the gold nanoparticles because of their electron, optical, and magnetic properties. This novel paper strip biosensor could be cost-effective and efficient means of future devices for the detection of phenolic pollutants from any environmental samples.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Phenols of anthropogenic origin exist in the environment due to the activity of the chemical, petrol, tinctorial, or pharmaceutical industries. They are among the most abundant organic impurities penetrating into the aquatic environment as a result of their use in a large number of processes, including petroleum and paper industry and synthesis of plastics [1]. Phenols are widely used organic compounds in existence and are a basic structural unit for a variety of synthetic organic compounds including agricultural chemicals and pesticides. Toxicity of phenol is related to hydrophobicity of the individual compound and formation of free radicals [2]. Because most phenolic compounds exhibit a high degree of toxicity, they have been included in the list of high priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several other countries [3]. The European Union has set the maximum total and individual phenol permitted concentrations in water used for human consumption at 0.5 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively [4]. To evaluate the risks which these compounds pose, a rapid and reliable process for their determination is therefore necessary. Several physicochemical and biological methods are in practice to monitor the phenol pollutants in water and soil. Many of the available advanced physicochemical techniques are highly sensitive but time-consuming and expensive and demand trained personnel for on-site or in-filed analysis [5]. The physicochemical methods, such as 4-AAP and FCR, are based on the phenols providing an intense red color development of the pyrazolones group, with maximum absorption in the wavelength of 510 nm. As the reaction is an official and well-established method for phenolic compound determinations in water samples, it has been used for comparison purposes in the development of new methods. Many times, the method is tedious and time-consuming [6]. Biological processes are gaining importance over physicochemical processes as biological systems are more effective and the end products formed are nontoxic [7].Bioconjugation is an important field of research resulting in the formulation of bioconjugates for varied applications. Conjugates of enzymes and nanoparticles are increasingly important in a wide range of applications including bioanalysis, imaging, and nanomedicine. Enzymes are biological catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions. Among enzyme sensors, tyrosinase enzyme proved to be very promising for the detection of phenolic compounds because of their high specificity of their substrates [8]. Tyrosinase (monophenol dihydroxyphenyl alanine; EC 1.14.18.1) is a copper containing metallo enzyme which catalyzes the oxidation of phenols, the ortho hydroxylation of monophenols to O-diphenols (monophenolase activity), and the oxidation of O-quinones (diphenolase activity). Tyrosinase is also used as indicator for the portability of water by analyzing a phenolic compound released from coliforms in water [9], and as probe to sense the level of phenol constituents in media during large scale/industrial fermentation [10]. Nanoparticles are frequently employed to aid the detection of environmental pollutants as analytical sensor. These applications take advantage of the unique features of nanoparticles such as their large surface areas and their unique photochemical, electronic, or magnetic properties. The application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology in biosensors was reviewed and many novel nanomaterials with unique properties are increasingly being exploited to apply for biosensor, improving the property of biosensor and making them have higher selectivity and sensitivity, less response time, and lower detective limitation [11]. Gold nanoparticles are of great interest due to their fascinating optical properties and their promising applications [12]. The conjugation of enzymes with gold nanoparticles can lead to the retention or even to an increase of their biological stability/activity [13]. Enzyme-nanoparticles conjugates that take advantage of the catalytic activity of bound enzymes have been reported for bioanalytical and biotechnological applications [14].A new type of paper based bioassay was developed for the colorimetric detection of phenolic compounds including phenol, bisphenol A, catechol, and cresols present in tap water and river water samples [15]. The sensor was based on layer by layer assembly approach on filter paper by physically trapping the mushroom tyrosinase in these layers. The senor response is quantified as a color change resulting from the specific binding of the enzymatically generated quinone on the paper. This assay has the advantage of rapidity and simplicity over other detection methods without need of sophisticated instrumentation and trained personnel. Enzyme biosensor based on tyrosinase for the detection of phenol compounds has been attracting great interest for fast and simple detection of pesticides [16–19] or phenol compounds in food [20] too. In the present investigation, it was aimed at developing paper biosensor for the detection of phenol constituents using bioconjugate of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles produced by a novel strain ofStreptomyces. Further, qualitative and quantitative determination of different types of phenols from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries was reported.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Molecular Characterization ofStreptomyces DBZ39

The potential strain ofStreptomyces DBZ39 isolated earlier [21] was characterized by 16S rRNA analysis [22]. The genomic DNA of the isolate was extracted and purified [23] DNA was subjected for PCR amplification. The purified PCR amplicons were sequenced using the gene specific sequencing universal standard primers [24] and 16S rRNA gene sequence was obtained. Using the sequence, phylogenetic tree was constructed following NCBI BLAST Search [25] to understand closest relatives.


### 2.2. Tyrosinase and Gold Nanoparticles fromStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39

Extracellular tyrosinase produced earlier [21] was used for the preparation of bioconjugate. It was produced under submerged bioprocess byStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39, on laboratory scale, in 100 mL tyrosine broth containing tyrosine 0.5%, beef extract 0.3%, and gelatin 0.5% over a period of 120 h [26]. Partially purified tyrosinase [21] was used to prepare the bioconjugate.Extracellular gold nanoparticles with an average size of 15 nm synthesized earlier [21] in an optimized bioprocess byStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39, as per the standard protocol [27], were employed for the preparation of bioconjugate. A loop full of three-day-old test culture was inoculated into starch casein broth individually and incubated at 35°C for 5 days on shaker (200 rpm). After the incubation, the broth culture was centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 20 min at 20°C. The biomass obtained was washed 2-3 times with sterile distilled water, suspended in aurium chloride solution (1 mM) and incubated at 40°C on shaker (200 rpm) for three days. Extracellular gold nanoparticles synthesized in the solution were confirmed and characterized by visual observation and UV-vis absorption spectrum at 500–550 nm.


### 2.3. Preparation of Bioconjugate

Bioconjugate of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles fromStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39 was prepared [21] by following the flocculation assay method [28]. 1 : 39 ratio of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles was prepared and mixed in 10 mM sodium bicarbonate solution and stored in dark for 40 min. 200 μL of 2 M NaCl was added to the mixture and again incubated in dark for 20 min. Salt solution was replaced with 50 μl of water in a reference sample, as control. The UV-vis absorbance of incubated mixture (1 : 39) was measured between 400 and 800 nm. The characterization of bioconjugate of tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles was carried out by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) at Malvern Laboratory, Bangalore. The hydrodynamic radius of bioconjugate, revealing the surface morphology of tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles, was determined by subjecting bioconjugate with the flocculation ratio of 1 : 39 for DLS analysis.


### 2.4. Construction of Paper Biosensor

Normal, Whatman 1 and 2 filter papers were used as base or platform for the construction of paper biosensor, following the standard modified procedure [29]. The multilayers of chitosan, Tyr-AuNps bioconjugate, and alginate were placed on the paper in sequence, one over another. The paper was first soaked in 1.5% Sodium Tri-penta Phosphate (NaTPP) for 10 min and air dried for 30 min. Three layers of 10 μL chitosan followed by five layers of 200 μL bioconjugate, two layers of 6 μL alginate, and two layers of 20 μL of 4-AAP were placed on air-dried paper and allowed to be adsorbed. Thus constructed large paper biosensors were further air-dried for 45 min, cut into strips of adequate size, and stored at 4°C for further use.


### 2.5. Detection of Phenol by Paper Biosensor

The phenol content of wine, paper, and plastic industrial effluents was detected by paper biosensors as per the prescribed method [30]. 25 μL of effluent samples was placed separately on different paper biosensors and change in color was observed at different time interval (0 to 10 min, at the interval of every minute). A sample of distilled water was used as control and the color of analytical grade phenol was considered as standard for comparison. The color developed in the effluent samples was determined by UV-vis absorption spectra and compared with standard chemical methods of 4-Amino Antipyrine (AAP) [31] and Folin-Ciocalteau Reagent (FCR) assays [32].


## 2.1. Molecular Characterization ofStreptomyces DBZ39

The potential strain ofStreptomyces DBZ39 isolated earlier [21] was characterized by 16S rRNA analysis [22]. The genomic DNA of the isolate was extracted and purified [23] DNA was subjected for PCR amplification. The purified PCR amplicons were sequenced using the gene specific sequencing universal standard primers [24] and 16S rRNA gene sequence was obtained. Using the sequence, phylogenetic tree was constructed following NCBI BLAST Search [25] to understand closest relatives.


## 2.2. Tyrosinase and Gold Nanoparticles fromStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39

Extracellular tyrosinase produced earlier [21] was used for the preparation of bioconjugate. It was produced under submerged bioprocess byStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39, on laboratory scale, in 100 mL tyrosine broth containing tyrosine 0.5%, beef extract 0.3%, and gelatin 0.5% over a period of 120 h [26]. Partially purified tyrosinase [21] was used to prepare the bioconjugate.Extracellular gold nanoparticles with an average size of 15 nm synthesized earlier [21] in an optimized bioprocess byStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39, as per the standard protocol [27], were employed for the preparation of bioconjugate. A loop full of three-day-old test culture was inoculated into starch casein broth individually and incubated at 35°C for 5 days on shaker (200 rpm). After the incubation, the broth culture was centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 20 min at 20°C. The biomass obtained was washed 2-3 times with sterile distilled water, suspended in aurium chloride solution (1 mM) and incubated at 40°C on shaker (200 rpm) for three days. Extracellular gold nanoparticles synthesized in the solution were confirmed and characterized by visual observation and UV-vis absorption spectrum at 500–550 nm.


## 2.3. Preparation of Bioconjugate

Bioconjugate of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles fromStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39 was prepared [21] by following the flocculation assay method [28]. 1 : 39 ratio of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles was prepared and mixed in 10 mM sodium bicarbonate solution and stored in dark for 40 min. 200 μL of 2 M NaCl was added to the mixture and again incubated in dark for 20 min. Salt solution was replaced with 50 μl of water in a reference sample, as control. The UV-vis absorbance of incubated mixture (1 : 39) was measured between 400 and 800 nm. The characterization of bioconjugate of tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles was carried out by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) at Malvern Laboratory, Bangalore. The hydrodynamic radius of bioconjugate, revealing the surface morphology of tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles, was determined by subjecting bioconjugate with the flocculation ratio of 1 : 39 for DLS analysis.


## 2.4. Construction of Paper Biosensor

Normal, Whatman 1 and 2 filter papers were used as base or platform for the construction of paper biosensor, following the standard modified procedure [29]. The multilayers of chitosan, Tyr-AuNps bioconjugate, and alginate were placed on the paper in sequence, one over another. The paper was first soaked in 1.5% Sodium Tri-penta Phosphate (NaTPP) for 10 min and air dried for 30 min. Three layers of 10 μL chitosan followed by five layers of 200 μL bioconjugate, two layers of 6 μL alginate, and two layers of 20 μL of 4-AAP were placed on air-dried paper and allowed to be adsorbed. Thus constructed large paper biosensors were further air-dried for 45 min, cut into strips of adequate size, and stored at 4°C for further use.


## 2.5. Detection of Phenol by Paper Biosensor

The phenol content of wine, paper, and plastic industrial effluents was detected by paper biosensors as per the prescribed method [30]. 25 μL of effluent samples was placed separately on different paper biosensors and change in color was observed at different time interval (0 to 10 min, at the interval of every minute). A sample of distilled water was used as control and the color of analytical grade phenol was considered as standard for comparison. The color developed in the effluent samples was determined by UV-vis absorption spectra and compared with standard chemical methods of 4-Amino Antipyrine (AAP) [31] and Folin-Ciocalteau Reagent (FCR) assays [32].


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Novel Strain ofStreptomyces

Actinomycetes are analyzed at various levels to gain information suitable for constructing data bases and effecting identification. Obviously, the highest level is the genome and its direct expression as RNA. Sequence analysis of various genes provides a stable classification and accurate identification, which has become the cornerstone of modern phylogenetic taxonomy. The regions of 16S rRNA genes are highly variable and differ significantly between species, whereas other areas are more conserved and suitable for identification at the generic level [33]. This technique is the forerunner of molecular analysis and that has now been followed for bacterial identification.Molecular characterization of an efficient and novel isolateStreptomyces DBZ39 was carried out by 16S rRNA analysis. Agarose gel image (Figure 1) captured in BIO-RAD GelDocXR gel documentation system illustrates a purified 16S rRNA gene after PCR amplification of genomic DNA. The size of 1450 bp of 16S rRNA gene was revealed on comparison with 1 kb DNA marker. The partial sequence (in FASTA format) of 16S rRNA gene (Figure 1) includes 836 nucleotide bases. This 16S rRNA gene sequence has been submitted to the Gene Bank database (accession number KP100263). The phylogenetic tree (Figure 2) obtained by Neighbor-Joining [34] analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, showing the systematic position of strainStreptomyces DBZ39, among its phylogenetic neighbors was analyzed. DNA relatedness of two organisms was proved to be suitable for the investigation of relationships between closely related taxa [35]. Strains belonging to the same species will generally have greater than 70% DNA-DNA relatedness. Thus, the phylogenetic dendogram ofStreptomyces DBZ39 disclosing 99.63% similarity withStreptomyces tuirus reveals its identity asStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39. Rarely, either an organism produces two biomolecules or two molecules produced by a single organism are being explored together for the analysis of chemical pollutant from the nature. Generally, combination of a molecule from the biological source and another from chemical source has been employed for the preparation of a bioconjugate. However, biocompatibility of a bioconjugate in the process of sensing a pollutant would be very high, only if both the molecules are obtained from the single organism. In the present investigation, single organismStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39 is physiologically able to synthesize both tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles, for the preparation of a bioconjugate, which is novel and striking feature of these organisms.Figure 1
Genomic DNA and nucleotide sequence (partial-836 bases) of 16S rRNA gene ofStreptomyces DBZ39.Figure 2
Phylogenetic tree showing systematic position ofStreptomyces DBZ39.


### 3.2. Development of Paper Biosensor

A dry form of paper biosensor was developed with an aim to detect phenol by utilizing the effective properties of bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps mediated byStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis of tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles bioconjugate at 1 : 39 flocculation ratio reveals the cohesion and adhesion of tyrosinase molecules on the surface of gold nanoparticles (Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). The maximum peak (Figure 3(a)) at 109.5 nm indicates the increased size of gold nanoparticles, when compared to 27 to 56 nm size of the gold nanoparticles used initially for the development of bioconjugate. Adsorption of NaTPP onto paper facilitated rapid ionic cross-linking and stabilization of chitosan onto the solid platform. The chitosan and bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps ofStreptomyces were immobilized onto the filter papers which include normal, Whatman 1 and 2 filter papers of different quality to construct an integrated, reagentless-sensing platform. Chitosan used previously as a coating material and an additive for cellulosic materials [36, 37] has been known to facilitate strong adsorption of biomolecules [38]. Functionalization of paper with chitosan improved the strength of paper [37], morphology, moisture barrier [39], and mechanical and optical properties [40]. Due to their surface charges and structural similarities, cellulose and chitosan interact strongly through electrostatic adsorption and hydrogen bonding which facilitate strong attachment of chitosan onto cellulosic paper [37, 38]. This approach provided a biocompatible environment for the bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps and enhanced protein adsorption through electrostatic binding, thus stabilizing the bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of Gold nanoparticles is relatively more compatible to bind with tyrosinase and facilitates efficient detection of phenol constituents. Smaller size gold nanoparticles allow more freedom in the orientation for the anchored protein molecules and hence maximize the utilization of their bioactive sites [41]. Thus bioconjugate of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles has been an efficient biosensor on Whatman 2 paper for the detection of phenol constituents.Figure 3
Dynamic light scattering peak indicating conjugation of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles (a) UV-Vis spectra of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles before and after conjugation.
(a)
(b)Filter papers reveal different applications based on their various properties such as porosity, particle retention, wet strength, flow rate, compatibility, and efficiency. Even a small piece of filter paper has been known to absorb a significant volume of liquid. Whatman qualitative filter paper, grade 2 (8 micron), is slightly more retentive than grade 1 with a corresponding increase in filtration time and also more absorbent. In addition to general filtration in the 8μm particle size range, the extra absorbency was an added advantage and capable of retaining the fine precipitates encountered in chemical analysis. Whatman 2 filter paper was also used in quantitative air pollution analysis as a paper tape for impregnation when determining gaseous compounds at high flow rates.


### 3.3. Detection of Phenol by Paper Biosensor

In view of potential application of paper biosensor, experiments were performed to detect the phenol from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries. The detection of phenol contents by the paper biosensors from the effluents of wine, paper, and plastic industries was recorded at different time intervals (Tables1, 2, and 3). Table 1 depicts the poor (+) detection of phenol at 4 min by normal filter paper biosensor, whereas Table 2 shows the moderate (++) detection of phenol from different industrial effluents at 4 min by Whatman 1 paper biosensor. Good (+++) detection of phenol from different industrial effluents was recorded (Table 3) at 3 min by Whatman 2 paper biosensor. The various physicochemical properties of filter papers might be responsible for the detection of phenol contents at different levels. After placing the sample on paper biosensor, the phenols present in the effluents were oxidized by bioconjugate and produce quinone. 4-AAP present in the paper sensor react with the quinone and convert it into a colored adduct, which was visualized as a spot on the paper at different time intervals (0 to 10 min). The change of the color on the spots of paper biosensor was quite distinct (Figure 4), when compared to the control and a standard phenol. Different colors have been formed depending on the type of the phenol constituents present in the effluent. Appearance of reddish-brown color in the effluent of wine (Figure 4(a)) indicates presence of phenol, dark-brown color in effluent of paper (Figure 4(b)) indicates presence of dopamine, and orange color in effluent of plastic (Figure 4(c)) indicates presence of catechol. After 3 mins, no further color change was observed, which discloses that phenol contents could be detected in 3 min. The development of color on the paper biosensor was first recorded by visual observation and then compared with the standard phenol as control (Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c)). The intensity of color developed in the treated effluent would be used as indicator for the quantity of phenol present in the effluent. The intensity of color developed reported [31] to be directly proportional to the quantity of phenol present in the effluent.Table 1
Detection of phenol from industrial effluents by normal filter paper biosensor.
Time intervals (min)
Degree of phenol detection
Winery effluent
Paper effluent
Plastic effluent
0
−
−
−
1
−
−
−
2
−
−
−
3
−
−
−
4
+
+
+
5
+++
++
++
−: no detection; +: poor detection; ++: moderate detection; +++: good detection.Table 2
Detection of phenol from industrial effluents by Whatman 1 filter paper biosensor.
Time intervals (min)
Degree of phenol detection
Winery effluent
Paper effluent
Plastic effluent
0
−
−
−
1
−
−
−
2
−
−
−
3
−
−
−
4
++
++
++
5
+++
++
++
−: no detection; +: poor detection; ++: moderate detection; +++: good detection.Table 3
Detection of phenol from industrial effluents by Whatman 2 paper biosensor.
Time interval (min)
Degree of phenol detection
Winery effluent
Paper effluent
Plastic effluent
0
−
−
−
1
−
−
−
2
+
−
−
3
+++
++
++
4
+++
++
++
5
++
++
++
−: no detection; +: poor detection; ++: moderate detection; +++: good detection.Figure 4
Change of color at different time intervals indicating detection of phenol from effluent of wine (a), paper (b), and plastic (c) industries by Whatman 2 paper biosensor.
(a)
(b)
(c)The results obtained using paper biosensors were analyzed in comparison with the two standard chemical methods, namely, 4-AAP and FCR assays. The values obtained by these standard assays for the similar wine, paper, and plastic industrial effluents examined (Figure5) by the paper biosensor assay were quite comparable. A considerable difference was recorded (Figure 6) between the values recorded by paper biosensor assay and the other chemical assays. Further, the efficiency of paper biosensor in the detection of concentration of phenol was more in winery (0.991 mM) effluent followed by paper (0.78 mM) and plastic (0.487 mM) industrial effluents (Figure 6).Figure 5
UV-vis absorption spectra indicating detection of phenol by Whatman 2 paper biosensor and standard chemical methods.Figure 6
Quantitative estimation of phenol in effluent samples of wine, paper, and plastic industries by using standard phenols.


## 3.1. Novel Strain ofStreptomyces

Actinomycetes are analyzed at various levels to gain information suitable for constructing data bases and effecting identification. Obviously, the highest level is the genome and its direct expression as RNA. Sequence analysis of various genes provides a stable classification and accurate identification, which has become the cornerstone of modern phylogenetic taxonomy. The regions of 16S rRNA genes are highly variable and differ significantly between species, whereas other areas are more conserved and suitable for identification at the generic level [33]. This technique is the forerunner of molecular analysis and that has now been followed for bacterial identification.Molecular characterization of an efficient and novel isolateStreptomyces DBZ39 was carried out by 16S rRNA analysis. Agarose gel image (Figure 1) captured in BIO-RAD GelDocXR gel documentation system illustrates a purified 16S rRNA gene after PCR amplification of genomic DNA. The size of 1450 bp of 16S rRNA gene was revealed on comparison with 1 kb DNA marker. The partial sequence (in FASTA format) of 16S rRNA gene (Figure 1) includes 836 nucleotide bases. This 16S rRNA gene sequence has been submitted to the Gene Bank database (accession number KP100263). The phylogenetic tree (Figure 2) obtained by Neighbor-Joining [34] analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, showing the systematic position of strainStreptomyces DBZ39, among its phylogenetic neighbors was analyzed. DNA relatedness of two organisms was proved to be suitable for the investigation of relationships between closely related taxa [35]. Strains belonging to the same species will generally have greater than 70% DNA-DNA relatedness. Thus, the phylogenetic dendogram ofStreptomyces DBZ39 disclosing 99.63% similarity withStreptomyces tuirus reveals its identity asStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39. Rarely, either an organism produces two biomolecules or two molecules produced by a single organism are being explored together for the analysis of chemical pollutant from the nature. Generally, combination of a molecule from the biological source and another from chemical source has been employed for the preparation of a bioconjugate. However, biocompatibility of a bioconjugate in the process of sensing a pollutant would be very high, only if both the molecules are obtained from the single organism. In the present investigation, single organismStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39 is physiologically able to synthesize both tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles, for the preparation of a bioconjugate, which is novel and striking feature of these organisms.Figure 1
Genomic DNA and nucleotide sequence (partial-836 bases) of 16S rRNA gene ofStreptomyces DBZ39.Figure 2
Phylogenetic tree showing systematic position ofStreptomyces DBZ39.


## 3.2. Development of Paper Biosensor

A dry form of paper biosensor was developed with an aim to detect phenol by utilizing the effective properties of bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps mediated byStreptomyces tuirus DBZ39. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis of tyrosinase-gold nanoparticles bioconjugate at 1 : 39 flocculation ratio reveals the cohesion and adhesion of tyrosinase molecules on the surface of gold nanoparticles (Figures 3(a) and 3(b)). The maximum peak (Figure 3(a)) at 109.5 nm indicates the increased size of gold nanoparticles, when compared to 27 to 56 nm size of the gold nanoparticles used initially for the development of bioconjugate. Adsorption of NaTPP onto paper facilitated rapid ionic cross-linking and stabilization of chitosan onto the solid platform. The chitosan and bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps ofStreptomyces were immobilized onto the filter papers which include normal, Whatman 1 and 2 filter papers of different quality to construct an integrated, reagentless-sensing platform. Chitosan used previously as a coating material and an additive for cellulosic materials [36, 37] has been known to facilitate strong adsorption of biomolecules [38]. Functionalization of paper with chitosan improved the strength of paper [37], morphology, moisture barrier [39], and mechanical and optical properties [40]. Due to their surface charges and structural similarities, cellulose and chitosan interact strongly through electrostatic adsorption and hydrogen bonding which facilitate strong attachment of chitosan onto cellulosic paper [37, 38]. This approach provided a biocompatible environment for the bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps and enhanced protein adsorption through electrostatic binding, thus stabilizing the bioconjugate of Tyr-AuNps. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of Gold nanoparticles is relatively more compatible to bind with tyrosinase and facilitates efficient detection of phenol constituents. Smaller size gold nanoparticles allow more freedom in the orientation for the anchored protein molecules and hence maximize the utilization of their bioactive sites [41]. Thus bioconjugate of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles has been an efficient biosensor on Whatman 2 paper for the detection of phenol constituents.Figure 3
Dynamic light scattering peak indicating conjugation of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles (a) UV-Vis spectra of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles before and after conjugation.
(a)
(b)Filter papers reveal different applications based on their various properties such as porosity, particle retention, wet strength, flow rate, compatibility, and efficiency. Even a small piece of filter paper has been known to absorb a significant volume of liquid. Whatman qualitative filter paper, grade 2 (8 micron), is slightly more retentive than grade 1 with a corresponding increase in filtration time and also more absorbent. In addition to general filtration in the 8μm particle size range, the extra absorbency was an added advantage and capable of retaining the fine precipitates encountered in chemical analysis. Whatman 2 filter paper was also used in quantitative air pollution analysis as a paper tape for impregnation when determining gaseous compounds at high flow rates.


## 3.3. Detection of Phenol by Paper Biosensor

In view of potential application of paper biosensor, experiments were performed to detect the phenol from the effluent of wine, paper, and plastic industries. The detection of phenol contents by the paper biosensors from the effluents of wine, paper, and plastic industries was recorded at different time intervals (Tables1, 2, and 3). Table 1 depicts the poor (+) detection of phenol at 4 min by normal filter paper biosensor, whereas Table 2 shows the moderate (++) detection of phenol from different industrial effluents at 4 min by Whatman 1 paper biosensor. Good (+++) detection of phenol from different industrial effluents was recorded (Table 3) at 3 min by Whatman 2 paper biosensor. The various physicochemical properties of filter papers might be responsible for the detection of phenol contents at different levels. After placing the sample on paper biosensor, the phenols present in the effluents were oxidized by bioconjugate and produce quinone. 4-AAP present in the paper sensor react with the quinone and convert it into a colored adduct, which was visualized as a spot on the paper at different time intervals (0 to 10 min). The change of the color on the spots of paper biosensor was quite distinct (Figure 4), when compared to the control and a standard phenol. Different colors have been formed depending on the type of the phenol constituents present in the effluent. Appearance of reddish-brown color in the effluent of wine (Figure 4(a)) indicates presence of phenol, dark-brown color in effluent of paper (Figure 4(b)) indicates presence of dopamine, and orange color in effluent of plastic (Figure 4(c)) indicates presence of catechol. After 3 mins, no further color change was observed, which discloses that phenol contents could be detected in 3 min. The development of color on the paper biosensor was first recorded by visual observation and then compared with the standard phenol as control (Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c)). The intensity of color developed in the treated effluent would be used as indicator for the quantity of phenol present in the effluent. The intensity of color developed reported [31] to be directly proportional to the quantity of phenol present in the effluent.Table 1
Detection of phenol from industrial effluents by normal filter paper biosensor.
Time intervals (min)
Degree of phenol detection
Winery effluent
Paper effluent
Plastic effluent
0
−
−
−
1
−
−
−
2
−
−
−
3
−
−
−
4
+
+
+
5
+++
++
++
−: no detection; +: poor detection; ++: moderate detection; +++: good detection.Table 2
Detection of phenol from industrial effluents by Whatman 1 filter paper biosensor.
Time intervals (min)
Degree of phenol detection
Winery effluent
Paper effluent
Plastic effluent
0
−
−
−
1
−
−
−
2
−
−
−
3
−
−
−
4
++
++
++
5
+++
++
++
−: no detection; +: poor detection; ++: moderate detection; +++: good detection.Table 3
Detection of phenol from industrial effluents by Whatman 2 paper biosensor.
Time interval (min)
Degree of phenol detection
Winery effluent
Paper effluent
Plastic effluent
0
−
−
−
1
−
−
−
2
+
−
−
3
+++
++
++
4
+++
++
++
5
++
++
++
−: no detection; +: poor detection; ++: moderate detection; +++: good detection.Figure 4
Change of color at different time intervals indicating detection of phenol from effluent of wine (a), paper (b), and plastic (c) industries by Whatman 2 paper biosensor.
(a)
(b)
(c)The results obtained using paper biosensors were analyzed in comparison with the two standard chemical methods, namely, 4-AAP and FCR assays. The values obtained by these standard assays for the similar wine, paper, and plastic industrial effluents examined (Figure5) by the paper biosensor assay were quite comparable. A considerable difference was recorded (Figure 6) between the values recorded by paper biosensor assay and the other chemical assays. Further, the efficiency of paper biosensor in the detection of concentration of phenol was more in winery (0.991 mM) effluent followed by paper (0.78 mM) and plastic (0.487 mM) industrial effluents (Figure 6).Figure 5
UV-vis absorption spectra indicating detection of phenol by Whatman 2 paper biosensor and standard chemical methods.Figure 6
Quantitative estimation of phenol in effluent samples of wine, paper, and plastic industries by using standard phenols.


## 4. Conclusions

Biosensors are gaining more importance over physicochemical methods in monitoring the level of analytical pollutants in the natural samples. Enzyme-nanoparticles bioconjugate are playing vital role in the analysis of pollutants from the polluted water and soil. In the present investigation, filter paper biosensor made up of the bioconjugate of tyrosinase and gold nanoparticles was found to be very effective in the detection of phenol pollutants. Whatman number 2 filter paper biosensor could detect in 3 min the phenol content from the effluents of wine, paper, and plastic industries. Types and concentration of phenol contents were efficiently sensed by paper biosensor. Phenol in wine, dopamine in paper, and catechol in plastic industrial effluents were quite distinct, because of the substrate specific catalytic mechanism of tyrosinase. Gold nanoparticles persuade tyrosinase for its greater efficacy and stability in the detection of phenol contents, because of their Surface Plasmon Resonance. Therefore, gold nanoparticles mediated tyrosinase based paper biosensor could be a cost-effective and at ease operation for the detection of phenol pollutants from industrial effluents. A simple an efficient strip like paper biosensors can be explored for the commercial purpose on large scale.



---

*Source: 1352134-2017-04-26.xml*