Membrane-bound dehydrogenases from Gluconobacter sp.: Interfacial electrochemistry and direct bioelectrocatalysis

Although membrane-bound dehydrogenases isolated from Gluconobacter sp. (mainly PQQ-dependent alcohol and fructose dehydrogenase) have been used for preparing diverse forms of bioelectronic interfaces for almost 2 decades, it is not an easy task to interpret an electrochemical behaviour correctly. Recent discoveries regarding redox properties of membrane-bound dehydrogenases along with extensive investigations of direct electron transfer (DET) or direct bioelectrocatalysis with these enzymes are summarized in this review. The main aim of this review is to draw general conclusions about possible electronic coupling paths of these enzymes on various interfaces via direct electron transfer or direct bioelectrocatalysis. A short overview of the metabolism and respiration chain in Gluconobacter relevant to interfacial electrochemistry is given. Biosensor devices based on DET or direct bioelectrocatalysis using membrane-bound dehydrogenases from Gluconobacter sp. are described briefly with the emphasis given on practical applications of preparing enzymatic biofuel cells. Moreover, interfacial electrochemistry of Gluconobacter oxydans related to the construction of microbial biofuel cells is also discussed.     

Metabolic studies of tetrazepam based on electrochemical simulation in comparison to in vivo and in vitro methods

During the last 2 years, the knowledge on the metabolic pathway of tetrazepam, a muscle relaxant drug, was expanded by the fact that diazepam was identified as a degradation product of tetrazepam. The present study demonstrates that this metabolic conversion, recently discovered by in vivo studies, can also be predicted on the basis of a purely instrumental method, consisting of an electrochemical cell (EC) coupled to online liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS). By implementing a new electrochemical cell type into the EC-LC–MS set-up and by an enhanced oxidation potential range up to 2 V, one limitation of the electrochemical metabolism simulation, the hydroxylation of alkanes and alkenes, has been overcome. Instead of commonly used flow-through cell with a porous glassy carbon working electrode, a wall-jet cell with exchangeable electrode material was used for this study. Thereby, the entire metabolic pathway of tetrazepam, in particular including the hydroxylation of the tetrazepam cyclohexenyl moiety, was simulated. The electrochemical results were not only compared to microsomal incubations, but also to in vivo experiments, by analysing urine samples from a patient after tetrazepam delivery. For structure elucidation of the detected metabolites, MS/MS experiments were performed. The comparison of electrochemistry to in vitro as well as to in vivo experiments underlines the high potential of electrochemistry as a fast screening tool in the prediction of metabolic transformations in drug development.     

Direct Electrochemistry of Cytochrome c Covalently Immobilized on ω-Carboxyalkanethiol Monolayer Electrode and its Biosensor Applications

The study of direct electron transfer (ET) between solid electrodes and proteins or enzymes has been attracting considerable research interest for several decades since it represents a basic feature for the application of biocatalysts in chemical sensors and other electrical devices. We have been focusing our research interest on the use of SAMs for the study of diffusionless, direct electrochemistry of cytochromes. In the present paper, we report electrochemistry of cytochrome c covalently immobilized on ω-carboxyalkanethiol monolayer electrodes. A carboxylic acid terminated monolayer was utilized to provide an uniform surface for attaching cytochrome c, and characterization of the redox reaction of the protein was made with using cyclic voltammetric and electrochemical impedance measurements.     

The review of advances in interfacial electrochemistry in Estonia: electrochemical double layer and adsorption studies for the development of electrochemical devices

The electrochemistry nowadays has many faces and challenges. Although the focus has shifted from fundamental electrochemistry to applied electrochemistry, one needs to acknowledge that it is impossible to develop and design novel green energy transition devices without a comprehensive understanding of the electrochemical processes at the electrode and electrolyte interface that define the performance mechanisms. The review gives an overview of the systematic research in the field of electrochemistry in Estonia which reflects on the excellent collaboration between fundamental and applied electrochemistry.

     

Analysis of a high redox potential heme in tetraheme cytochrome c3 by direct electrochemistry

Cytochrome c₃ from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F), a redox protein, contains four bis-histidine-coordinated hemes and has lower redox potential than other heme proteins. Direct electrochemical measurements of cytochrome c₃ were carried out using a pyrolytic graphite edge (PGE) electrode. A low redox potential, already measured by redox titration, and a high redox potential (− 245 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) were observed at room temperature. The high redox potential of cytochrome c₃ was similar to that observed for the loss of an axial ligand at heme. To investigate the loss of the histidine ligand, we explored the electrochemistry of four cytochrome c₃ mutants, in which the sixth coordinated histidine was replaced by methionine. The electrochemistry of the cytochrome c₃ mutants indicated that only Heme III undergoes loss of its axial histidine ligand.     

Metal ions and complexes as modulators of protein-interfacial electron transport at graphite electrodes

An extensive investigation of the direct (unmediated) electrochemical activity of various redox proteins at pyrolytic graphite electrodes has been undertaken. With the exception of the “blue” copper protein azurin, a profound preference for the hydrophilic “edge” over the hydrophobic “basal” plane orientation of the graphite surface is observed. This may be identified with the presence of various oxidised (CO) functionalities at the polished “edge” surface which, most probably in a random manner, constitute reversible and productive binding domains for the proteins. Conditions under which the rates and reversibility of heterogenous electron transport may be optimised depend upon the protein under examination. Well-behaved electrochemistry, indicate of diffusion-dominated heterogeneous electron transport, is modulated by electrode surface protonation (pK = 5.6) and levels of redox-inert multivalent cations, including Mg²⁺ and Cr(NH₃)³⁺₆. The electrochemistry of several proteins which have negatively charged interaction domains, including plastocyanin, and chloroplast and bacterial ferrodoxins, is promoted and stabilised by electrode surface protonation, and interfacial binding of multivalent cations which is attenuated at high ionic strength. Coversely, the electrochemistry of horse-heart cytochrome c, for which the region around the exposed heme edge carries a net positive charge, is inhibited by electrode surface protonation and destablished by the presence of multivalent cations. These patterns of behaviour may be rationalised in terms of a heterogeneous electrode surface which comprises regions of hydrophilic polar groups at which proteins may associate reversibly if resultant coulombic interactions are favourable, and regions of extensive hydrophobicity at which less reversible and (probably) degradative adsorption occurs. Within this basic model, there is considerable scope for domain selectivity which may arise from variations in medium and short range order and distribution of CO functionalities. Implications for the control of in vivo electron-transport processes are discussed.     

Electrochemistry of self-assembled monolayers of the blue copper protein Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin on Au(111)

We report the self-assembly and electrochemical behaviour of the blue copper protein Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin on Au(111) electrodes in aqueous acetate buffer (pH=4.6). The formation of monolayers of this protein is substantiated by electrochemical measurements. Capacitance results indicate qualitatively that the protein is strongly adsorbed at sub-μM concentrations in a broad potential range (about 700 mV). This is further supported by the attenuation of a characteristic cyclic voltammetric peak of Au(111) in acetate solution with increasing azurin concentration. Reductive desorption is clearly disclosed in NaOH solution (pH=13), strongly suggesting that azurin is adsorbed via its disulphide group. An anodic peak and a cathodic peak associated with the copper centre of azurin are finally observed in the differential pulse voltammograms. These peaks are, interestingly, indicative of long-range electrochemical electron transfer such as paralleled by intramolecular electron transfer between the disulphide anion radical and the copper atom in homogeneous solution, and anticipated by theoretical frames. Together with reported in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) results they constitute the first case for electrochemistry of self-assembled monolayers of azurin, even redox proteins. This integrated investigation provides a new approach to both structure and function of adsorbed redox metalloproteins at the molecular level.     

Electrochemistry of Cobalta Bis(dicarbollide) Ions Substituted at Carbon Atoms with Hydrophilic Alkylhydroxy and Carboxy Groups

In this study we explore the effect on the electrochemical signals in aqueous buffers of the presence of hydrophilic alkylhydroxy and carboxy groups on the carbon atoms of cobalta bis(dicarbollide) ions. The oxygen-containing exo-skeletal substituents of cobalta bis(dicarbollide) ions belong to the perspective building blocks that are considered for bioconjugation. Carbon substitution provides wider versatility and applicability in terms of the flexibility of possible chemical pathways. However, until recently, the electrochemistry of compounds substituted only on boron atoms could be studied, due to the unavailability of carbon-substituted congeners. In the present study, electrochemistry in aqueous phosphate buffers is considered along with the dependence of electrochemical response on pH and concentration. The compounds used show electrochemical signals around −1.3 and +1.1 V of similar or slightly higher intensities than in the parent cobalta bis(dicarbollide) ion. The signals at positive electrochemical potential correspond to irreversible oxidation of the boron cage (the C2B9 building block) and at negative potential correspond to the reversible redox process of (CoIII/CoII) at the central atom. Although the first signal is typically sharp and its potential can be altered by a number of substituents, the second signal is complex and is composed of three overlapping peaks. This signal shows sigmoidal character at higher concentrations and may be used as a diagnostic tool for aggregation in solution. Surprisingly enough, the observed effects of the site of substitution (boron or carbon) and between individual groups on the electrochemical response were insignificant. Therefore, the substitutions would preserve promising properties of the parent cage for redox labelling, but would not allow for the further tuning of signal position in the electrochemical window.     

Electrochemistry/mass spectrometry as a tool in metabolism studies—A review

The combination of electrochemistry (EC) and mass spectrometry (MS) has become a more and more frequently used approach in metabolism studies in the last decade. This review provides insight into the importance of metabolism studies during the drug development process and gives a short overview about the conventionally used methods since electrochemistry is often intended to substitute or minimize animal-based studies. The optimization of the electrochemical conditions is of great importance for a successful comparison with in vitro approaches. The type of metabolism reactions, which can be simulated by EC, has been extended with new cell types and working electrodes. Although the mechanism differs from the enzyme-catalyzed turnover, electrochemistry can be used to simulate a significant number of the respective reactions.     

Strategies for "wiring" redox-active proteins to electrodes and applications in biosensors, biofuel cells, and nanotechnology

In this tutorial review the basic approaches to establish electrochemical communication between redox-active proteins and electrodes are elucidated and examples for applications in electrochemical biosensors, biofuel cells and nanotechnology are presented. The early stage of protein electrochemistry is described giving a short overview over electron transfer (ET) between electrodes and proteins, followed by a brief introduction into experimental procedures for studying proteins at electrodes and possible applications arising thereof. The article starts with discussing the electrochemistry of cytochrome c, the first redox-active protein, for which direct reversible ET was obtained, under diffusion controlled conditions and after adsorption to electrodes. Next, examples for the electrochemical study of redox enzymes adsorbed on electrodes and modes of immobilization are discussed. Shortly the experimental approach for investigating redox-active proteins adsorbed on electrodes is outlined. Possible applications of redox enzymes in electrochemical biosensors and biofuel cells working by direct ET (DET) and mediated ET (MET) are presented. Furthermore, the reconstitution of redox active proteins at electrodes using molecular wire-like units in order to "wire" the proteins to the electrode surface and possible applications in nanotechnology are discussed.     

In situ and operando electrochemistry of redox enzymes

Understanding the biocatalytic or the interfacial electron transfer processes of redox enzymes is decisive to develop high-performance biofuel cells, mimetic catalysts, bioelectrosynthesis reactors, biosensors, and bioelectronic devices. The state-of-art of redox enzyme electrochemistry lies in using in situ and operando instrumentation, in which protein electrochemistry is resourcefully coupled to or hyphenated with numerous analytical techniques. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to research about the manipulation of redox proteins in the unusual sample holding environments, and bioelectrodes engineering emerges as a key. Here, we discuss these challenges in detail, focusing on contemporary instrumentation setups.     

Electrochemistry at High Pressures: A Review

High pressure electrochemical studies are potentially dangerous and less immediately implemented than conventional investigations. Technical obstacles related to properties of the working electrode material, preparation of its surface, availability of suitable reference electrodes, and the need for specially designed high pressure equipment and cells may account for the relative lack of experimental data on electrochemistry at high pressures. However, despite the stringent requirements for system and equipment stability, significant developments have been made in recent years and the combination of electrochemical methods with high hydrostatic pressure has provided useful insights into the thermodynamics, kinetics, and other physico‐chemical characteristics of a wide range of redox reactions. In addition to fundamental information, high pressure electrochemistry has also lead to a better understanding of a variety of processes under non‐classical conditions with potential applications in today's industrial environment from extraction and electrosynthesis in supercritical fluids to measurement of the pH at the bottom of the ocean. The purpose of this article is to detail the experimental pressurizing apparatus for electroanalytical measurements at high pressures and to review the relevant literature on the effect of pressure on electrode processes and on the properties of aqueous electrolyte solutions.     

氧化还原蛋白质电化学研究*

研究氧化还原蛋白质与电极之间的电子传递过程不仅为理解代谢过程提供有价值的信息,而且为制备生物传感器奠定基础。本文从蛋白质修饰电极、蛋白质在电极表面的定向固定及蛋白质人工改造三方面,评述了近年来氧化还原蛋白质电化学研究的进展,并提出了今后可能的研究方向。     

Electrochemistry of Mitochondria: A New Way to Understand Their Structure and Function

In this article, electrochemistry of mitochondria is achieved. Cyclic voltammograms of freshly prepared mitochondria were obtained by immobilizing mitochondria together with glutaraldehyde and bovine serum albumin on the surface of a pyrolytic graphite electrode. Two pairs of redox peaks could be observed which were ascribed to the electron transfer reactions of cytochrome c and FAD/FADH₂. Study of submitochondrial particles was also conducted, which could confirm the results of the study of the entire mitochondria. The redox wave of NADH could be obtained due to the destruction of the membrane of mitochondria. We have also checked the function of succinate in mitochondria by employing the electrochemical method. This work is not only the first to be able to obtain the direct electrochemistry of mitochondria, but is also beneficial to the further understanding of the structure and function of mitochondria in vitro.     

Metabolomic Characterization of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Intracranial Bacterial Infection Pediatric Patients: A Pilot Study

Intracranial bacterial infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neurosurgical cases. Metabolomic profiling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) holds great promise to gain insights into the pathogenesis of central neural system (CNS) bacterial infections. In this pilot study, we analyzed the metabolites in CSF of CNS infection patients and controls in a pseudo-targeted manner, aiming at elucidating the metabolic dysregulation in response to postoperative intracranial bacterial infection of pediatric cases. Untargeted analysis uncovered 597 metabolites, and screened out 206 differential metabolites in case of infection. Targeted verification and pathway analysis filtered out the glycolysis, amino acids metabolism and purine metabolism pathways as potential pathological pathways. These perturbed pathways are involved in the infection-induced oxidative stress and immune response. Characterization of the infection-induced metabolic changes can provide robust biomarkers of CNS bacterial infection for clinical diagnosis, novel pathways for pathological investigation, and new targets for treatment.     

The electrochemistry of particles, droplets, and vesicles �C the present situation and future tasks

Presently, a plethora of techniques is available to study the electrochemical properties of solid inorganic and organic micro- and nano-particles immobilized on electrode surfaces, provided that they possess a faradaic electroactivity. Similarily, immobilized droplets of liquids and solutions, which are immiscible with the electrolyte solution, give access to the three-phase electrochemistry of redox centers in the droplets, allowing determinations of free energies of ion transfer between the immiscible liquid phases. Possible and necessary future activities in the field of immobilized particles and droplets will be discussed here. The electrochemistry of suspended micro- and nano-particles possessing faradaic electroactivity is much more complex and needs special attention in future research. Finally, the electrochemistry of liposomes and biological vesicles, which do not possess faradaic activity, but the ability to produce capacitive signals upon attachment to electrodes, will be discussed focusing on possible future developments.     

Spectroscopic analysis of immobilised redox enzymes under direct electrochemical control

This article reviews recent developments in spectroscopic analysis of electrode-immobilised enzymes under direct, unmediated electrochemical control. These methods unite the suite of spectroscopic methods available for characterisation of structural, electronic and coordination changes in proteins with the exquisite control over complex redox enzymes that can be achieved in protein film electrochemistry in which immobilised protein molecules exchange electrons directly with an electrode. This combination is particularly powerful in studies of highly active enzymes where redox states can be controlled even under fast electrocatalytic turnover. We examine examples in which UV-visible, IR, Raman and MCD spectroscopy have been combined with direct electrochemistry to probe redox-dependent chemistry, and consider future opportunities for 'direct' spectroelectrochemistry of immobilised enzymes.     

有序分子组装膜电极非理想伏安图的理论研究

在有序分子组装体系的电化学研究中,电活性物种间的相互作用直接导致其偏离理想的电化学行为,譬如出现双峰或者峰展宽的现象。从这些非理想的电化学数据中提取热力学和动力学数据显得相对困难,因而了解和评价这些非理想的电化学行为显得十分有必要。本文着重就这些非理想电化学现象的理论模型、基本公式和微观认识进行了评述。理解这些非理性电化学的影响因素,不仅加深对表面电化学体系的认识,更对现在的研究热点课题如主客体识别、分子电子器件、生物传感器等具有重要意义。     

Proteomic Analysis of the Protein Expression Profile in the Mature <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nigella sativa</Emphasis> (Black Seed)

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed has been used as an important nutritional flavoring agent and in traditional medicine for treating many illnesses since ancient times. Understanding the proteomic component of the seed may lead to enhance the understanding of its structural and biological functional complexity. In this study, we have analyzed its proteome profile based on gel-based proteome mapping technique that includes one-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry strategy. We have not come across any such studies that have been performed in N. sativa seeds up to date. A total of 277 proteins were identified, and their functional, metabolic, and location-wise annotations were carried out using the UniProt database. The majority of proteins identified in the proteome dataset based on their function were those involved in enzyme catalytic activity, nucleotide binding, and protein binding while the major cellular processes included regulation of biological process followed by regulation of secondary biological process, cell organization and biogenesis, protein metabolism, and transport. The identified proteome was localized mainly to the nucleus then to the cytoplasm, plasma membrane, mitochondria, plastid, and others. A majority of the proteins were involved in biochemical pathways involving carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid and shikimate pathway, lipid metabolism, nucleotide, cell organization and biogenesis, transport, and defense processes. The identified proteins in the dataset help to improve our understanding of the pathways involved in N. sativa seed metabolism and its biochemical features and detail out useful information that may help to utilize these proteins. This study could thus pave a way for future further high-throughput studies using a more targeted proteomic approach.