A biosensor for L-proline determination by use of immobilized microbial cells.

A biosensor to quantify L-proline within 10(-5)-10(-3) mole/L concentration is described. Immobilized Pseudomonas sp. cells grown in a medium containing L-proline as the only source of carbon and nitrogen were used to create the biosensor. The cells oxidized L-proline specifically consuming O2 and did not react with other amino acids and sugars. The change in oxygen concentration was detected with a Clark oxygen membrane electrode. The cells were immobilized by entrapment in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel. The resultant biocatalyst had a high mechanical strength and retained its L-proline-oxidizing ability for at least two months.