Abstract: A bioluminescent biosensor is described which consists of an immobilized enzymatic phase on a polyamide membrane in close contact with one end of an optical glass fiber bundle (1 m x 8 mm diameter) connected to a photomultiplier tube associated with a signal processing system. In batch analysis the biosensor was immersed in 4.5 mL of stirred reaction medium at 25°C. The reaction vessel was surrounded by a light-tight jacket of PVC and the sensor was fixed in a removable PVC cell cover. For bioluminescence FIA a similar sensor fixed in a specially designed flow cell of black PVC with a reaction chamber of 125 µL was used. The enzymatic membrane was in close contact with the surface of the optical fiber bundle; the carrier stream was delivered by peristaltic pump and the sample was injected into the continuous flowing stream. Detection limits and dynamic range were similar for both batch analysis and FIA but the FIA method made automation easier and gave reproducible results. The biosensor was applied to the measurement of ATP and NADH.

Abstract: A review, with 10 references. Examples are given of applications to analysis of beverages and blood (alcohol determination) and river water (nitrate determination). Use in pharmaceutical analysis is indicated.

Abstract: The development of data handling systems for use in chemical anal. to achieve high sample throughput is discussed. (SFS)