Automated cytochrome c oxidase bioassay developed for ionic liquids' toxicity assessment.

A fully automated cytochrome c oxidase assay resorting to sequential injection analysis (SIA) was developed for the first time and implemented to evaluate potential toxic compounds. The bioassay was validated by evaluation of 15 ionic liquids (ILs) with distinct cationic head groups, alkyl side chains and anions. The assay was based on cytochrome c oxidase activity reduction in presence of tested compounds and quantification of inhibitor concentration required to cause 50% of enzyme activity inhibition (EC50).