Abstract: Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilized on colloidal gold and then deposited on an electrode surface can be reduced at a convenient rate at low voltage (Ag/AgCl) without an electron transfer mediator. Bioelectrodes combining both a colloidal gold-adsorbed oxidase and colloidal gold-adsorbed HRP located on an electrode surface are efficient biodetectors, particularly for the measurement of low glucose levels in samples when glucose oxidase is employed as the sensing enzyme. The biodetectors may be employed for mediatorless detection of a wide variety of analytes depending on the oxidase employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel b of detecting metal ion concentrations less than about 10 .mu.g/dl fluid. Biosensors based on the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase are particularly suited for detecting trace lead ion concentrations in water and in blood. Bioelectrodes are fabricated from surface deposited colloidal gold adsorbed enzyme that retains high catalytic activity Other aspects of the invention include detection devices for convenient and rapid measurement of metal ions.