Biosensors based on direct electron transfer in redox proteins

In biosensors based on direct electron transfer in redox proteins, efficient electron-transfer pathways between the immobilized redox protein and the electrode surface have to be established so to allow a fast electron transfer and concomitantly avoiding free-diffusing redox species. In this review, prerequisites for the direct electron transfer of redox proteins and immobilization of redox proteins on the electrode surfaces are addressed. Based on the specific nature of different proteins and non-manual immobilization procedures, possible biosensor designs are discussed, namely biosensors based on (1) ferritin; (2) cytochrome c; (3) myoglobin; (4) hemoglobin; (5) horseradish peroxidase; (6) catalase; (7) glucose oxidase; and (8) xanthine oxidase.