Rapid Eukaryotic Impedimetric Biosensing of Naproxen and Isoniazid: A Proof-of-Concept for Acute Toxicity Monitoring

This study presents a rapid, eukaryotic impedimetric biosensor that applies the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a robust, cost-effective biorecognition element for monitoring the acute toxicity of two representative pharmaceuticals, naproxen and isoniazid, in aquatic systems. The biosensor utilizes a previously developed three-electrode system made from type 316 stainless steel. Yeast cells seeded onto these electrodes serve as the biosensing element. By monitoring changes in electrical impedance, the system quantifies the cellular stress induced by pharmaceutical exposure. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in both resistance and capacitance, attributed to cell death and subsequent desorption from the working electrode surface. These findings were validated through optical density at 600 nm (OD600) growth curve analysis and methylene blue viability staining, which confirmed metabolic inhibition and membrane damage. Results indicate a linear response for naproxen within the 2.5 mM to 20 mM range, with a LOD of 0.509 mM, and for isoniazid within the 10 mM to 100 mM range, with a LOD of 0.684 mM. Naproxen demonstrated a more pronounced cytotoxic effect, with cell viability dropping to 41.08% at 10 mM compared to 68.79% for isoniazid. While conventional analytical methods focus on chemical quantification, this proof-of-concept biosensor provides a rapid toxic/non-toxic signal, offering a biologically relevant tool for real-time monitoring of industrial waste streams and acute environmental contamination.