Role of mediators in electron transport from glucose oxidase redox centre to electrode surface in a covalently coupled enzyme paste electrode

We have studied the glucose oxidase immobilized carbon paste electrodes in the presence and absence of small mediator molecules. We have used p-benzoquinone and riboflavin as mediators in our studies. The effect of mediator molecules on the electron transfer between the enzyme redox centre and the electrode surface was explained from the cyclic voltammograms and rotating disk electrode data. In the absence of oxygen, we have noted that the mediators play a central role in the electron transfer. We have also proposed a possible mechanism for the electron transfer from enzyme active site to the electrode surface via mediators, based on our observations. Dedicated to the memory of Professor J Das