Peroxidase based biosensors for the selective determination of D,L-lactic acid and L-malic acid in wines

A novel bioelectrochemical method for the direct determination of D(-) L(+) lactic acid and of L(-) malic acid in wines is presented. Multienzymatic biosensors were realized for the selective determination of the three analytes: D(-) and L(+) lactic acid were measured by a trienzymatic biosensor based on the catalytic activities of the enzymes L(+) lactate oxidase (LOD), D(-) lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP); L(-) malic acid was measured by a bienzymatic electrode, realized by coupling the enzymes L(-) malic dehydrogenase (L-MDH) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In both cases the enzymes were immobilized on an oxygen selective Clark electrode. The simultaneous determination of the two organic acids can be accomplished either in batch or in a flow injection analysis apparatus using the same biosensors as detectors. The analytical performance of the method, tested in standard aqueous solutions and on real samples of wines, showing high repeatability, short response times and reduced cost of analysis, suggest that the experimental approach here described could be followed to monitor the progress of malolactic fermentation. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.