Work

The Laccase-like Property of GHK-Cu and Its Applications in Colorimetric Sensing of Phenolic Compounds

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Laccase plays an important role in the detection and degradation of phenolic compounds, but it is limited by its cost and stability. In this study, the laccase-like property of copper peptide (GHK-Cu) has been revealed. In terms of enzymatic reaction kinetics, GHK-Cu has a Vmax of 1.735 × 10−4 mM·s−1 and a Km of 0.061 mM, demonstrating good substrate affinity and excellent catalytic efficiency. Then, a colorimetry was developed for rapid detection of epinephrine (EP) and 2-aminophenol (2-AP). The linear response range of EP is 20–240 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.5 μM. The linear response ranges of 2-AP are 14–100 μM (in ultrapure water) and 2–120 μM (in seawater), with LODs of 2.56 μM and 1.65 μM. In addition, combined with a smartphone platform, a cotton-based sensor has been developed for the detection of 2-AP in seawater. The linear response ranges are 0–0.2 mM and 0.2–1 mM, with LOD of 0.033 mM. The structure of GHK-Cu provides a reference for the development of novel laccase mimetic enzymes. The constructed colorimetry offers an option for the rapid detection of phenolic compounds, and the developed cotton-based sensor enabled rapid and portable detection of 2-AP.

Source: Biosensors

DOI: 10.3390/bios16040217

Authors: Jiang-Shan Chen, Huan Zhu, Tong-Qing Chai, Feng-Qing Yang

Institution: Chongqing University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities