Method for metal analysis and speciation and biosensor for effecting the method

A method of detecting a presence or absence of a valence state of a metal in a sample, comprising:

• providing a sample comprising a metal, wherein the metal is present in a plurality of valence states;
• adding at least one chelating agent to at least a portion of the sample to chelate a portion of the plurality of valence states without chelating a valence state of interest;
• adding a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate to the at least a portion of the sample, wherein the enzyme is inhibited by the plurality of valence states of the metal;
• and
• detecting the presence or absence of the valence state of interest responsive to a degree of enzymatic activity.

A method of detecting a presence or absence of a valence state of a metal in a sample, comprising:

• providing a sample comprising a plurality of metals, wherein at least one of the plurality of metals is present in a plurality of valence states and may comprise a valence state of interest;
• adding a first chelating agent to at least a portion of the sample to chelate a portion of the plurality of metals without chelating the at least one metal present in a plurality of valence states;
• adding a second chelating agent to the at least a portion of the sample to chelate the plurality of valence states of the at least one metal without chelating the valence state of interest;
• adding a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate to the at least a portion of the sample, wherein the enzyme is inhibited by the plurality of valence states of the metal;
• and
• detecting the presence or absence of the valence state of interest responsive to a degree of enzymatic activity.

A method of detecting a presence or absence of a valence state of a metal in a sample, comprising:

• providing a sample comprising a plurality of metals, wherein at least one metal of the plurality of metals is present in a plurality of valence states and may comprise a valence state of interest;
• adding at least one chelating agent to at least a portion of the sample to chelate the plurality of metals without chelating the at least one metal present in a plurality of valence states;
• separating the plurality of valence states of the at least one metal present in the at least a portion of the sample to isolate the valence state of interest;
• adding a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate to the at least a portion of the sample, wherein the enzyme is inhibited by the plurality of valence states of the metal;
• and
• detecting the presence or absence of the valence state of interest responsive to a degree of enzymatic activity.

A method of determining a concentration of a metal in a sample, comprising:

• providing a sample comprising a plurality of metals, wherein the plurality of metals comprises a metal to be detected;
• adding at least one chelating agent to at least a portion of the sample to chelate a portion of the plurality of metals without chelating the metal to be detected;
• adding a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate to the at least a portion of the sample, wherein the enzyme is inhibited by the metal to be detected;
• and
• quantifying the metal to be detected.

A method of determining a concentration of a valence state of a metal in a sample, comprising:

• providing a sample comprising a metal, wherein the metal is present in a plurality of valence states;
• adding at least one chelating agent to at least a portion of the sample to chelate a portion of the plurality of valence states without chelating a valence state of interest;
• adding a reagent solution comprising an enzyme and a substrate to the at least a portion of the sample, wherein the enzyme is inhibited by the plurality of valence states of the metal;
• and
• quantifying the valence state of interest.