Development and Characterization of a Visual Biodegradable Alcohol Biosensor Using Immobilized Alcohol Oxidase on Natural Fibers

The study focuses on the development of a cost effective and portable alcohol biosensor using alcohol oxidase AOx as a biocatalyst. AOx, isolated from yeast strains, efficiently catalyzes the oxidation of alcohol to aldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, which forms the basis of detection. Various natural materials such as coconut fiber, egg shell membrane, pomelo peel, onion inner layer, sugarcane bagasse, and luffa cylindrica were used as enzyme immobilization matrices. The immobilized enzymes exhibited high bioactivity at room temperature and physiological pH levels. The biosensor responds to ethanol with a visible color change, offering a simple, rapid, and equipment free method for alcohol detection. This low- cost biosensor is suitable for applications in clinical, forensic, and food analysis.