Direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin in layer-by-layer films with poly(vinyl sulfonate) grown on pyrolytic graphite electrodes

Stable layer-by-layer electroactive films were grown on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes by alternate adsorption of layers of polyanionic poly(vinyl sulfonate) (PVS) and positively charged hemoglobin (Hb) from their aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of [PVS/Hb]n films showed a pair of well-defined and nearly reversible peaks at about - 0.28 V vs. SCE at pH 5.5, characteristic of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple. The process of (PVS/Hb) bilayer growth was monitored and confirmed by CV, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. While the amount of Hb adsorbed in each bilayer was the same, the amount of electroactive Hb in each bilayer decreased dramatically with increase of the number of bilayer, and electroactivity was just extended to 8 [PVS/Hb] bilayers. CVs of [PVS/Hb]8 films maintained stable in buffers containing no Hb. Positions of Soret band of Hb in [PVS/Hb]n films grown on transparent glass slides suggest that Hb in the films keeps its secondary structure similar to its native state in a wide pH range. Trichloroacetic acid and nitrite were catalytically reduced by [PVS/Hb]8 films with significant lowering of the electrode potential required.     

Direct electron transfer in immobilized flavoenzyme chemically modified graphite electrodes

Direct electron transfer between covalently immobilized flavoenzymes and a cyanuric chloride-modified graphite electrode is observed via differential pulse voltammetry. L-Amino acid oxidase and xanthine oxidase display peaks arising from the reduction of flavin adenine dinucleotide. Peak current enhancements are observed for both covalently attached enzymes compared to their free and adsorbed state voltammograms. Studies concerning flavin removal and reconstitution indicate that xanthine oxidase contains multiple flavin chromophores which are nonequivalent.     

血红蛋白在纳米羟基磷灰石修饰的热解石墨电极上的直接电化学

采用超声辅助沉淀法合成羟基磷灰石纳米晶体,制作了以纳米羟基磷灰石(HAp)修饰的热解石墨电极(EPG)。并研究了血红蛋白在该修饰电极上的直接电化学行为。在pH6.9的磷酸盐(PBS)缓冲溶液中,得到一对可逆的血红蛋白辅基血红素Fe(Ⅲ)/Fe(Ⅱ)电对的循环伏安氧化还原特征峰,式量电位E0p′=-0.356V(vs.SCE,pH6.9),几乎不随扫速的改变而变化,电子转移数为1.041,近似一个辅基发生一个电子转移。Hb在HAp/EPG电极表面直接电子转移的速率常数为0.6074。在该纳米HAp微环境中,Hb与EPG电极之间的电子传递得到极大促进,并显示了较好的稳定性。式量电势pH3.6~9.0范围内与溶液的pH成线性关系,直线斜率为-56.0mV/pH,说明Hb的电子传递过程伴随质子的转移。探讨了Hb-HAp修饰电极对H2O2的电催经性质,为制作生物传感器打下基础。     

Electroanalysis of kaempferol using pyrolytic graphite and a hemoglobin/polysorbate-20 modified electrodes

The electrochemical behavior of kaempferol, one of the most common flavonoids, was studied using a pyrolytic graphite electrode and a hemoglobin/polysorbate-20 modified electrode. The modified electrode was found to be applicable for kaempferol determination. The linear calibration was in the range from 4 × 10⁻⁷ to 4 × 10⁻⁵ M, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10⁻⁷ M. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.3% for ten successive determinations. The proposed method is sensitive, has a high reproducibility, and a wide detection range. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Direct electron transfer and electrocatalysis of hemoglobin in layer-by-layer films assembled with Al-MSU-S particles

In this paper, layer-by-layer (LBL) {MSU/Hb}(n)/PDDA films assembled by alternate adsorption of positively charged hemoglobin (Hb) and negatively charged mesoporous molecular sieves of Al-MSU-S onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were reported. Al-MSU-S was synthesized by the precursor of zeolite Y and ionic liquids 1-hexadecane-3-methylimidazolium bromide (CMIMB) as a template in basic medium. It exhibited larger pore diameter, pore volume and surface area. Direct electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of Hb in these layer-by-layer films were investigated. A pair of well-defined nearly reversible cyclic voltammetric peaks was observed and the formal potential of the heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple was found to be -0.295V (vs. SCE). The influences of layer's number and the pH of the external solution to the electron transfer behavior of Hb in {MSU/Hb}(n)/PDDA films were also estimated by cyclic voltammetry and a set of optimized conditions for film fabrication was inferred. The hemoglobin in{MSU/Hb}(n)/PDDA films displayed a good electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide, which had linear current responses from 1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.86 x 10(-4)mol/L with the detection limit of 5.0 x 10(-7)mol/L (S/N=3). The apparent Michaeli-Menten constant (K(m)(app)) was 0.368 mmol/L. Thus, this methodology shows potential application of the preparation of third-generation biosensors.     

Direct electron transfer of hemoglobin founded on electron tunneling of CTAB monolayer

Direct electron transfer and stable adsorption of hemoglobin (Hb) on a carbon paste (CP) electrode were achieved with the aid of a single-chain cationic surfactant, namely, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated that CTAB could form a complete monolayer with a high density of positive charges on the surface of the CP electrode, which strongly adsorbed negatively charged protein molecules via electrostatic interactions. The surfactant molecules anchored the protein molecules to align in suitable orientations and acted as electron-tunneling pathways between the protein molecules and the CP electrode. The bioelectrocatalytic activity of the immobilized Hb was confirmed by RAIR and UV-vis spectroscopies, and rapid electrochemical responses to the reduction of oxygen (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitrite (NO2-) were also obtained.     

Direct electron transfer in nanostructured sol-gel electrodes containing bilirubin oxidase

Bilirubin oxidase encapsulated within a silica sol-gel/carbon nanotube composite electrode effectively catalyzed the reduction of molecular oxygen into water through direct electron transfer at the carbon nanotube electrode surface. In this nanocomposite approach, the silica matrix is designed to be sufficiently porous for substrate molecules to have access to the enzyme and yet provides a protective cage for immobilization without affecting biological activity. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes adds electrical connectivity and increases active electrode surface area. The standard surface electron transfer rate constant was calculated to be 59 s(-1) which indicates that the carbon nanotube side walls are primarily responsible for electron transfer. The use of direct electron transfer processes simplifies biofuel cell fabrication by eliminating the need for redox mediator and ion-conducting separators.     

Direct electron transfer reactions between human ceruloplasmin and electrodes

In an effort to find conditions favouring bioelectrocatalytic reduction of oxygen by surface-immobilised human ceruloplasmin (Cp), direct electron transfer (DET) reactions between Cp and an extended range of surfaces were considered. Exploiting advances in surface nanotechnology, bare and carbon-nanotube-modified spectrographic graphite electrodes as well as bare, thiol- and gold-nanoparticle-modified gold electrodes were considered, and ellipsometry provided clues as to the amount and form of adsorbed Cp. DET was studied under different conditions by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Two Faradaic processes with midpoint potentials of about 400 mV and 700 mV vs. NHE, corresponding to the redox transformation of copper sites of Cp, were clearly observed. In spite of the significant amount of Cp adsorbed on the electrode surfaces, as well as the quite fast DET reactions between the redox enzyme and electrodes, bioelectrocatalytic reduction of oxygen by immobilised Cp was never registered. The bioelectrocatalytic inertness of this complex multi-functional redox enzyme interacting with a variety of surfaces might be associated with a very complex mechanism of intramolecular electron transfer involving a kinetic trapping behaviour.     

Edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes in electroanalysis: an overview.

The recent development, behavior and scope of edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes in electroanalysis are overviewed. Similarities to, and advantages, over multi-walled CNT modified electrodes are noted and the wide scope of applications, ranging through gas sensing, stripping voltammetry and biosensing, illustrated.     

Direct electron transfer reactions of laccases from different origins on carbon electrodes

Electrochemical studies of laccases from basidiomycetes, i.e., Trametes hirsuta, Trametes ochracea, Coriolopsis fulvocinerea, Cerrena maxima, and Cerrena unicolor, have been performed. Direct (mediatorless) electrochemistry of laccases on graphite electrodes has been investigated with cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry as well as potentiometry. For all mentioned high potential laccases direct electron transfer (DET) has been registered at spectrographic graphite and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite electrodes. The characteristics of DET reactions of the enzymes were analysed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It is shown that the T1 site of the laccase is the primary electron acceptor, both in solution (homogenous case) and at surface of the graphite electrode (heterogeneous case). A mechanism of ET for the process of the electro-reduction of oxygen at the laccase-modified graphite electrodes is proposed and the similarity of this heterogeneous process to the laccase catalysed oxygen reduction homogeneous reaction is concluded.     

New electrodes for old: from carbon nanotubes to edge plane pyrolytic graphite

Different types of carbon based electrodes have emerged over the last few years, significantly changing the scope and sensitivity of electro-analytical methods for the measurement of diverse targets from metal ions through gases to biological markers. This Highlight article shows how the use of carbon nanotube modified electrodes has led to a fundamental understanding of the location and nature of electron transfer processes on graphitic electrodes and to the realisation that edge plane pyrolytic graphite may represent, at present, an optimal electrode material of this type for electroanalysis.     

Direct electron transfer of PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase at modified carbon nanotubes electrodes

In order to establish efficient enzyme-electrode-contacts for the pyrroloquinoline quinone dependent glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH) different immobilisation strategies are investigated. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on gold electrodes are modified by chemical treatment and by (poly)-aniline derivatives. The electropolymerisation of methoxy-m-anilinesulfonic acid and m-aminobenzoic acid on the MWCNTs allows the covalent coupling of the PQQ-GDH. Such a poly-[ASA-ABA]/MWCNT/Au electrode can achieve current densities of up to 500 μA/cm² at a potential of 100 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. Furthermore investigations with small amounts of free PQQ indicate direct electron transfer between enzyme and electrode.     

Nucleation and growth of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) thin films on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrodes

The electro-polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) in aqueous media has been investigated by current–time transient measurements and atomic force microscopy. Deposition involved an initial step, in which the whole electrode was essentially covered with an increasing number of nuclei. This first step occurred at very short times (less than 3 ms at high driving force) and was followed by further growth, the nature of which depended on the magnitude of the applied potential. At high driving force, a progressive 3D mechanism took place, while a 2D layer-by-layer process was observed at low driving force. These observations provide a simple means of controlling the morphology of electrodeposited poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene).     

Direct electron transfer between heme-containing enzymes and electrodes as basis for third generation biosensors

Direct electron transfer (DET) between redox enzymes and electrodes found the basis for third generation biosensors. Recent investigations in the authors’ laboratories on the bioelectrochemistry of heme-containing proteins and enzymes, primarily peroxidases, but also cellobiose dehydrogenase, will be reviewed.     

Direct electron transfer and bioelectrocatalysis of hemoglobin on nano-structural attapulgite clay-modified glassy carbon electrode

Direct electrochemistry of hemoglobin (Hb) on natural nano-structural attapulgite clay film-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode was investigated. The interaction between Hb and attapulgite was examined using UV-vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The immobilized Hb displayed a couple of well-defined and quasi-reversible redox peaks with the formal potential (E(0')) of about -0.366 V (versus SCE) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.0. The current was linearly dependent on the scan rate, indicating that the direct electrochemistry of Hb in that case was a surface-controlled electrode process. The formal potential changed linearly from pH 5.0 to 9.0 with a slope value of -48.2 mV/pH, which suggested that a proton transfer was accompanied with each electron transfer in the electrochemical reaction. The immobilized Hb exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide without the aid of an electron mediator. The electrocatalytic response showed a linear dependence on the H(2)O(2) concentration ranging from 5.4 x 10(-6) to 4.0 x 10(-4) M with the detection of 2.4 x 10(-6) M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant K(M)(app) for the H(2)O(2) sensor was estimated to be 490 microM, showing a high affinity.     

Facilitated electron transfer from an electrode to horseradish peroxidase in a biomembrane-like surfactant film

Direct electron transfer was found to be greatly facilitated for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in a didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) biomembrane-like film at a pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrode involving the Fe^III Fe^II couple. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant k_s was fitted as 9.0 s⁻¹ using the non-linear regression analysis of the square wave voltammograms at a series of frequencies and pulse heights. The pH dependence of the formal potential for HRP in DDAB film at medium pH environments suggested one-proton transfer coupled with a one-electron transfer reaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed different film morphology for HRP and HRP---DDAB films. UV–vis and reflectance absorption infrared (RAIR) spectra inferred that the heme state of HRP in DDAB film was similar to that in its native state. Circular dichroism (CD) results indicated slight perturbation of DDAB on the second structure of HRP. Thus, the embedded HRP in the biomembrane-like DDAB film showed nearly native structural properties and improved electrochemical characteristics. This has potential value for the basic and applied bioelectrochemistry of enzymes.     

Insights into the electro-oxidation of hydrazine at single-walled carbon-nanotube-modified edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes electro-decorated with metal and metal oxide films

Electrochemistry of edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes (EPPGEs) modified with Aldrich single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) electro-decorated with metal (Ni, Fe and Co) and their oxides have been studied. The morphology and identity of the metallic dispersions were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. We show that SWCNTs serve as efficient conducting carbon material for electronic communication between metal films and the underlying carbon electrode. By using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques, it is proved that both EPPGE-SWCNT-Ni and EPPGE-SWCNT-Fe exhibit comparable electrochemical response in buffered aqueous solution (pH 7.0) and towards electro-oxidation of hydrazine in Na₂SO₄ solution. The impedance spectra of these SWCNT-metal hybrids were complicated and follow electrical equivalent circuit model typical of adsorption-controlled charge transfer kinetics. Hydrazine impedance spectra exhibited inductive loop, characteristic of Faradaic current being governed by the occupation of an intermediate state. On the other hand, the EIS data obtained in a simple redox probe, [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻/[Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, showed that EPPGE-SWCNT and EPPGE-SWCNT-Ni followed electrical equivalent circuit models typical of partial charge transfer or adsorption-controlled kinetics with some resemblance to the behaviour of electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor sensors.     

A hydrogen peroxide biosensor based on Langmuir-Blodgett technique: Direct electron transfer of hemoglobin in octadecylamine layer

The present paper describes the modification of hemoglobin (Hb)-octadecylamine (ODA) Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film on a gold electrode surface to develop a novel electrochemical biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) image of Hb-ODA LB film indicated Hb molecules existed in ODA layer in a well-ordered and compact form. The immobilized Hb displayed a couple of stable and well-defined redox peaks with an electron transfer rate constant of 4.58 ± 0.95 s⁻¹ and a formal potential of −185 mV (versus Ag/AgCl) in phosphate buffer (1.0 mM, pH 5.0) contain 0.1 M KCl at a scan rate of 200 mV s⁻¹, characteristic of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple. The formal potential of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couple in ODA film shifted linearly between pH 5 and 8 with a slope of −23.8 mV pH⁻¹, suggesting that proton took part in electrochemical reaction. The ODA could accelerate the electron transfer between Hb and the electrode. This modified electrode showed an electrochemical activity to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) without the aid of any electron mediator.     

Direct evidence for chemically distinct regions within nation films on electrodes

Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical experiments on the complexes [(bpy)₂(py)Ru^II(OH₂)]²⁺ and [(trpy)(bpy)Ru^II(OH₂)]²⁺ (py is pyridine; bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine; trpy is 2,2',2“-terpyridine) with Nation films coated on electrodes demonstrate that the complexes partition amongst three chemically distinct regions or phases. As Ru(II) the complexes reside both in an electroinactive phase and, based on the pH dependence of the Ru(III)/(II) couples, e.g., [(bpy)₂(py)Ru^III(OH)]²⁺/[(bpy)₂(py)Ru^II(OH₂)]²⁺, in two electroactive phases. Partitioning amongst the three phases depends on the pH of the external solution and on the oxidation state and proton content of the complex. Addition of alcohols releases the complex from the electroinactive phase but at the expense of loss of the bound water molecule and binding to the sulfonate sites by anation and, therefore, to a fourth distinct chemical or physical state in which the complex can exist within Nation films.