Mediator probe PCR: detection of real-time PCR by label-free probes and a universal fluorogenic reporter.

Mediator probe PCR (MP PCR) is a novel detection format for real-time nucleic acid analysis. Label-free mediator probes (MP) and fluorogenic universal reporter (UR) oligonucleotides are combined to accomplish signal generation. Compared to conventional hydrolysis probe PCRs costs can thus be saved by using the same fluorogenic UR for signal generation in different assays.

Using planktonic microorganisms to supply the unpurified multi-copper oxidases laccase and copper efflux oxidases at a biofuel cell cathode.

The feasibility to apply crude culture supernatants that contain the multicopper oxidases laccase or copper efflux oxidase (CueO) as oxygen reducing catalysts in a biofuel cell cathode is shown. As enzyme-secreting recombinant planktonic microorganisms, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and the bacterium Escherichia coli were investigated. The cultivation and operation conditions (choice of medium, pH) had distinct effects on the electro-catalytic performance.

Overcoming bottlenecks of enzymatic biofuel cell cathodes: crude fungal culture supernatant can help to extend lifetime and reduce cost.

Enzymatic biofuel cells (BFCs) show great potential for the direct conversion of biochemically stored energy from renewable biomass resources into electricity. However, enzyme purification is time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, the long-term use of enzymatic BFCs is hindered by enzyme degradation, which limits their lifetime to only a few weeks.

Strategies to extend the lifetime of bioelectrochemical enzyme electrodes for biosensing and biofuel cell applications.

Enzymes are powerful catalysts for biosensor and biofuel cell electrodes due to their unique substrate specificity. This specificity is defined by the amino acid chain's complex three-dimensional structure based on non-covalent forces, being also responsible for the very limited enzyme lifetime of days to weeks. Many electrochemical applications, however, would benefit from lifetimes over months to years.