Electrochemical sensor for enzymatic lactate detection based on laser-scribed graphitic carbon modified with platinum, chitosan and lactate oxidase

We developed a flexible laser scribed graphitic carbon based lactate biosensor fabricated using a low cost 450 nm laser. We demonstrated a facile fabrication method involving electrodeposition of platinum followed by two casting steps for modification with chitosan and lactate oxidase. The biosensor demonstrated chronoamperometric lactate detection within a linear range from 0.2 mM to 3 mM, (R² > 0.99), with a limit of detection of 0.11 mM and a sensitivity of 35.8 μA/mM/cm². The biosensor was successful in performing up to 10 consecutive measurements (one after the other) indicating good working stability (RSD <5%). Concerning storage stability, there was no decrease in signal response after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Additionally, we demonstrate enzymatic lactate detection whilst the flexible polyimide substrates were fixed at a curvature (K) of 0.14 mm⁻¹. No noticeable change in signal response was observed in comparison to calibrations obtained at a curvature of 0 mm⁻¹, signifying potential opportunities for sensor attachment or integration with oral-care products such as mouth swabs. Both laser scribed graphitic carbon and Ag/AgCl modified-laser scribed graphitic carbon were successful as reference electrodes for chronoamperometric lactate measurements. Furthermore, using a three-electrode configuration on polyimide, lactate detection in both artificial saliva and sterile human serum samples was achieved for two spiked concentrations (0.5 mM and 1 mM).