Tomato seed-based amperometric sensor for the determination of alcohols

The use of tomato seeds as a source for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) for the determination of alcohols is described. The unique reactivity pattern of the tomato ADH is coupled with the speed and sensitivity of the mixed tissue/carbon paste configuration. The effect of experimental variables, such as pH, cofactor concentration, applied potential, or paste composition, is explored. In accordance to the substrate specificity, the lowest detection limits (in the micromolar level) are obtained for allyl alcohol and ethanol. Copyright © 1991 VCH Publishers, Inc.