University of Alicante

The Polymer Electrocatalysis and Electrochemistry Group (GEPE) at the University of Alicante belongs to the University Institute of Materials of Alicante (IUMA). The group has extensive experience in the development of electrochemical applications for energy generation and the development of chemical sensors. In this latter line, methodologies have been implemented to immobilize enzymes in hybrid silica matrices applied to the design of electrochemical biosensors. These matrices functionalized with conductive polymers have been used to encapsulate proteins that serve as biotransducers for the development of third-generation electrochemical biosensors. The developed sensors allow the determination of metabolites (glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid, neurotransmitters) relevant to clinical diagnosis, as well as the detection of contaminants that inhibit hydrolase enzymes (heavy metals, toxins, biocides, etc.). For this research, the group has its own 1200 L marine aquarium with four experimental substations.