Reductive activation of nitrate reductases

Protein film voltammetry of Paracoccus pantotrophus respiratory nitrate reductase (NarGH) and Synechococcus elongatus assimilatory nitrate reductase (NarB) shows that reductive activation of these enzymes may be required before steady state catalysis is observed. For NarGH complementary spectroscopic studies suggest a structural context for the activation. Catalytic protein film voltammetry at a range of temperatures has allowed quantitation of the activation energies for nitrate reduction. For NarGH with an operating potential of ca. 0.05 V the activation energy of ca. 35 kJ mol-1 is over twice that measured for NarB whose operating potential is ca. -0.35 V.     

Using direct electrochemistry to probe rate limiting events during nitrate reductase turnover

Protein film voltammetry of NarGH catalysing nitrate reduction under steady state conditions provides information on events occurring within the enzyme during the catalytic cycle. In this discussion we have focused on exploring the ability of two simple catalytic schemes to reproduce the voltammetric response of NarGH; electron transfer to the enzyme's active site being described either by interfacial electron exchange (Scheme 1) or intramolecular electron delivery via the operation of an electron relay centre (Scheme 2). When the two electron reduced, catalytically competent active site of the enzyme is generated from the oxidised form in 'rapid', non-rate limiting steps of the catalytic cycle, the voltammetric behaviour of NarGH cannot be reproduced. Rather under all the conditions investigated, one electron reduction of the active site from a semi-reduced to a fully-reduced state is found to be crucial to progression through the enzyme's catalytic cycle. The catalytically relevant semi- and fully-reduced oxidation states of the NarGH active site are most likely to correspond to the Mo(V) and Mo(IV) states of the Mo(MGD)2 centre, respectively, although it is not possible to rule out the possibility that they correspond to molybdopterin based oxidation states as observed in other enzymes. We suggest that the rate of either conformational rearrangement within the semi-reduced active site or intramolecular electron delivery to the active site constitutes a defining feature in the catalytic cycle of NarGH and results in the napp approximately 1 appearance of the catalytic waveform.     

DFT investigation of the molybdenum cofactor in periplasmic nitrate reductases: structure of the Mo(V) EPR-active species

The periplasmic nitrate reductase NAP belongs to the DMSO reductase family that regroups molybdoenzymes housing a bis-molybdopterin cofactor as the active site. Several forms of the Mo(V) state, an intermediate redox state in the catalytic cycle of the enzyme, have been evidenced by EPR spectroscopy under various conditions, but their structure and catalytic relevance are not fully understood. On the basis of structural data available from the literature, we built several models that reproduce the first coordination sphere of the molybdenum cofactor and used DFT methods to make magneto-structural correlations on EPR-detected species. "High-g" states, which are the most abundant Mo(V) species, are characterized by a low-anisotropy g tensor and a high g(min) value. We assign this signature to a six-sulfur coordination sphere in a pseudotrigonal prismatic geometry with a partial disulfide bond. The "very high-g" species is well described with a sulfido ion as the sixth ligand. The "low-g" signal can be successfully associated to a Mo(V) sulfite-oxidase-type active site with only one pterin moiety coordinated to the molybdenum ion with an oxo or sulfido axial ligand. For all these species we investigate their catalytic activity using a thermodynamic point of view on the molybdenum coordination sphere. Beyond the periplasmic nitrate reductase case, this work provides useful magneto-structural correlations to characterize EPR-detected species in mononuclear molybdoenzymes.     

Catalytic reduction of nitrate during electrodeposition of thallium from Tl3+ solution

The voltammetric response of vitreous carbon electrodes in nitrate solution in the presence of Tl³⁺ shows the reduction of Tl³⁺ in two stages, to Tl⁺ and to metallic thallium, respectively. Nitrate ions are reduced at high rates during the second stage, concurrently with Tl deposition. The catalytic current varies with the concentration of nitrate, but is virtually independent of the Tl³⁺ concentration. No nitrate reduction occurred when Tl deposition was carried out in a single stage from Tl⁺ solution, nor during reduction of Tl³⁺ to Tl⁺. The results obtained indicate that Tl²⁺, arising from disproportionation of Tl³⁺ and Tl⁰ to yield Tl⁺, mediates the catalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia during Tl electrodeposition from Tl³⁺ solutions.     

Electrochemical nitrate biosensor based on poly(pyrrole-viologen) film-nitrate reductase-clay composite

The immobilization of nitrate reductase (NR) was performed by entrapment in a laponite clay gel and cross-linking by glutaraldehyde. In presence of nitrate and methyl viologen, a catalytic current appeared at -0.60 V illustrating the enzymatic reduction of nitrate into nitrite via the reduced form of the freely diffusing methyl viologen. The electropolymerization of a water-soluble pyrrole viologen derivative within the interlamellar spaces and channels of the host clay matrix successfully carried out the electrical wiring of the entrapped NR. Rotating disk measurements led to the determination of kinetic constants, namely k(2)=10.7 s(-1) and K(M)=7 microM. These parameters reflect the efficiency of the electro-enzymatic reduction of nitrate and the substrate affinity for the immobilized enzyme.     

In Rhodobacter sphaeroides respiratory nitrate reductase, the kinetics of substrate binding favors intramolecular electron transfer

The respiratory nitrate reductase (NapAB) from Rb. sphaeroides is a periplasmic molybdenum-containing enzyme which belongs to the DMSO reductase family. We report a study of NapAB by protein film voltammetry (PFV), and we present the first quantitative interpretation of the complex redox-state dependence of activity that has also been observed with other related enzymes. The model we use to fit the data assumes that binding of substrate partly limits turnover and is faster and weaker when the Mo ion is in the V oxidation state than when it is fully reduced. We explain how the presence in the catalytic cycle of such slow chemical steps coupled to electron transfer to the active site decreases the driving force required to reduce the MoV ion and makes exergonic the last intramolecular electron-transfer step (between the proximal cubane and the Mo cofactor). Importantly, comparison is made with all Mo enzymes for which PFV data are available, and we emphasize general features of the energetics of the catalytic cycles in enzymes of the DMSO reductase family.     

NITRATE REDUCTASE—A KEY ENZYME IN BLUE LIGHT-PROMOTED CONIDIATION AND ABSORBANCE CHANGE OF NEUROSPORA

Abstract— Neurospora , when starved for several hours, can be stimulated by blue light to conidiate and also shows a blue light-inducible, flavin-mediated absorbance change near 425 nm due to photoreduc-tion of a h-type cytochrome. Under the same physiological conditions, nitrate reductase activity (NADPH-dependent nitrate reduction) decreases and the activity of its small subunit (methylviologen-to-nitrate reductase activity) increases. The increased activity is membrane associated (plasma membrane and mitochondria). The methylviologen-to-nitrate activity increase can also be brought about by treating mycelium briefly with diluted acetone. It is, therefore, interpreted as change within the nitrate reductase molecule (configuration change or separation of subunits with changed exposure of active sites). After acetone treatment the blue light-induced absorbance change can be observed immediately in the mycelium. Nitrate reductase with its flavin and protoheme prosthetic groups seems to be involved in both events, the induction of conidiation and in the described absorbance change.     

Chemistry of [Et4N][MoIV(SPh)(PPh3)(mnt)2] as an analogue of dissimilatory nitrate reductase with its inactivation on substitution of thiolate by chloride

Structural-functional analogue of the reduced site of dissimilatory nitrate reductase is synthesized as [Et4N][MoIV(SPh)(PPh3)(mnt)2].CH2Cl2 (1). PPh3 in 1 is readily dissociated in solution to generate the active site of the reduced site of dissimilatory nitrate reductase. This readily reacts with nitrate. The nitrate reducing system is characterized by substrate saturation kinetics. Oxotransfer to and from substrate has been coupled to produce a catalytic system, NO3- + PPh3 --> NO2- + OPPh3, where NO3- is the substrate for dissimilatory nitrate reductase. The corresponding chloro complex, [Et4N][MoIV(Cl)(PPh3)(mnt)2].CH2Cl2 (2), responds to similar PPh3 dissociation but is unable to react with nitrate, showing the indispensable role of thiolate coordination for such oxotransfer reaction. This investigation provides the initial demonstration of the ligand specificity in a model system similar to single point mutation involving site directed mutagenesis in this class of molybdoenzymes.     

Effect of support and pre-treatment conditions on Pt-Sn catalysts: application to nitrate reduction in water

The effect of the support (activated carbon or titanium dioxide) on the catalytic activity and selectivity to nitrogen of Pt-Sn catalysts in nitrate reduction was studied. The effects of the preparation conditions and the Pt:Sn atomic ratio were also evaluated. It was observed that the support plays an important role in nitrate reduction and that different preparation conditions lead to different catalytic activities and selectivities. Generally, the catalysts supported on activated carbon were less active but more selective to nitrogen than those supported on titanium dioxide. The monometallic Pt catalyst is active for nitrate reduction only when supported on titanium dioxide, which is explained by the involvement of the support in the reaction mechanism. The catalysts were characterized by different techniques, and significant changes on metal chemical states were observed for the different preparation conditions used. Only metallic Pt and oxidized Sn were observed at low calcination and reduction temperatures, but some metallic Sn was also present when high temperatures were used, being also possible the formation of Pt-Sn alloys.     

An amperometric nitrate reductase-phenosafranin electrode: kinetic aspects and analytical applications

The enzyme-catalysed reduction of nitrate was studied utilising Aspergillus niger nitrate reductase (NR) and phenosafranin in solution as the enzyme regenerator, working at lower potentials than that of the more common methyl viologen mediator. Cyclic voltammograms when enzyme, phenosafranin and substrate were together put in evidence the enzyme-catalysed reduction of nitrate, although with a relatively slow kinetics. From slope values not dependent on mediator concentration, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant was evaluated. Analytical parameters for the enzyme-modified electrode in the presence of phenosafranin for the determination of nitrate content in water were assessed, including a recovery assay for nitrate added to a river water sample. The stability of the electrode was checked.     

Voltammetric Study of Diethyltin Dichloride and the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate and Nitrite

The electrochemical characteristics of diethyltin dichloride on a platinum electrode were studied by cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk electrode and other methods. The results show that Et₂SnCl₂ can catalyze the reduction of nitrate and nitrite. The over-potential for the reduction of nitrate and nitrite on the modified electrode dropped significantly. The catalytic kinetics of the electrode were also studied. The proposed method can be used to determine nitrate and nitrite simultaneously in waste water.Received July 27, 2002; accepted March 10, 2003 Published online July 16, 2003     

Kinetics and mechanism of the cobalt phthalocyanine catalyzed reduction of nitrite and nitrate by dithionite in aqueous solution

The reaction of sodium nitrite with sodium dithionite was studied in the presence of cobalt(II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine, COII(TSPc)4-, in aqueous alkaline solution. The overall mechanism comprises the reduction of CoII(TSPc)4- by dithionite, followed by the formation of an intermediate complex between COI(TSPc)5- and nitrite, which undergoes two parallel subsequent reactions with and without nitrite as a reagent. Kinetic parameters for the different reaction steps of the catalytic process were determined. The final product of the reaction was found to be ammonia. Contrary to those found for the catalytic reduction of nitrite, the products of the catalytic reduction of nitrate were found to be dinitrogen and nitrous oxide. The possible catalytic reduction of nitrous oxide was confirmed by independent experiments. The striking differences in the reduction products of nitrite and nitrate are explained in terms of different structures of the intermediate complex between CoI(TSPc)5- and substrate, in which nitrite and nitrate are suggested to coordinate via nitrogen and oxygen, respectively.     

Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of nitrite and nitrate by flow injection analysis.

A new catalytic spectrophotometric method is reported for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate by flow injection analysis, based on the catalytic effect of nitrite on the redox reaction between pyrogallolsulfonephthalein and potassium bromate in acidic media. Nitrate can also be on-line reduced to nitrite with a modified copper-coated cadmium reduction column. The reaction was monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in the absorbance of pyrogallolsulfonephthalein at 465 nm. Various analytical parameters such as effects of acidity, reagent concentrations, flow rates, sample sizes, lengths of the reaction coil and temperatures were studied and were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration graph was linear for 2.4 to 160 ng ml(-1) of nitrite and 4.0 to 100 ng ml(-1) of nitrate. The influences of potential interfering cations and anions for nitrite and nitrate determination were studied. The method is successfully applied for food and water samples. Up to ten samples can be analyzed per hour.     

催化加氢法脱除水中硝酸盐的研究进展

近年来,地下水中硝酸盐污染日益严重。催化加氢还原硝酸盐生成氮气具有高效、无二次污染等特点,是一种应用前景良好的脱氮技术。本文结合国内外最新的研究进展,对硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐的催化加氢脱氮进行了综述,并对该领域的研究进行了展望。     

An improved lanthanum catalyst system for asymmetric amination: toward a practical asymmetric synthesis of AS-3201 (Ranirestat)

A catalytic asymmetric amination with a lanthanum/amide complex was significantly improved. The use of lanthanum nitrate hydrate in place of lanthanum triisopropoxide made the process reproducible, scalable, and cost-effective. The development of a ternary catalytic system of La/ligand/amine was a key to high ee and catalytic turnover. A 100 g scale reaction was performed to showcase a practical synthesis of a key intermediate for AS-3201, a highly potent aldose reductase inhibitor.     

Selectivity of thiolate ligand and preference of substrate in model reactions of dissimilatory nitrate reductase

Complexes analogous to the active site of dissimilatory nitrate reductase from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans are synthesized. The hexacoordinated complexes [PPh 4][Mo (IV)(PPh 3)(SR)(mnt) 2] (R = -CH 2CH 3 ( 1), -CH 2Ph ( 2)) released PPh 3 in solution to generate the active model cofactor, {Mo (IV)(SR)(mnt) 2} (1-), ready with a site for nitrate binding. Kinetics for nitrate reduction by the complexes 1 and 2 followed Michaelis-Menten saturation kinetics with a faster rate in the case of 1 ( V Max = 3.2 x 10 (-2) s (-1), K M = 2.3 x 10 (-4) M) than that reported earlier ( V Max = 4.2 x 10 (-3) s (-1), K M = 4.3 x 10 (-4) M) ( Majumdar, A. ; Pal, K. ; Sarkar, S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 4196- 4197 ). The oxidized molybdenum species may be reduced back by PPh 3 to the starting complex, and a catalytic cycle involving [Bu 4N][NO 3] and PPh 3 as the oxidizing and reducing substrates, respectively, is established with the complexes 1 and 2. Isostructural complexes, [Et 4N][Mo (IV)(PPh 3)(X)(mnt) 2] (X = -Br ( 3), -I ( 4)) did not show any reductive activity toward nitrate. The selectivity of the thiolate ligand for the functional activity and the cessation of such activity in isostructural halo complexes demonstrate the necessity of thiolate coordination. Electrochemical data of all these complexes correlate the ability of the thiolated species for such oxotransfer activity. Compounds 1 and 2 are capable of reducing substrates like TMANO or DMSO, but after the initial 15-20% conversion, the product trimethylamine or dimethylsulfide formed interacts with the active parent complexes 1 and 2 thereby slowing down further oxo-transfer reaction similar to feedback type reactions. From the functional nitrate reduction, the molybdenum species finally reacts with the nitrite formed leading to nitrosylation similar to the NO evolution reaction by periplasmic nitrate reductase from Pseudomonas dentrificans. All these complexes ( 1- 4) are characterized structurally by X-ray, elemental analysis, electrochemistry, electronic, FT-IR, mass and (31)P NMR spectroscopic measurements.     

A simple and accurate method to determine nitrite and nitrate in serum based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A simple method for accurate determination of nitrite and nitrate in serum was proposed to avoid the variation of nitrate reduction. For nitrite determination, serum samples were directly precipitated with methanol pre‐nitrate conversion, and then the supernatant reacted with 2,3‐diaminonaphthalene (DAN) to form 2,3‐naphthotriazole (NAT), which was quantitatively analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FL). For nitrate determination, samples were firstly heated at 70°C for 10 min to inactivate endogenous reductase‐inhibiting proteins, then nitrate in the samples was quantitatively reduced to nitrite by reductase added experimentally. The difference in total nitrite concentrations between pre‐ and post‐nitrate conversion was used to calculate the amount of nitrate in the samples. In addition to good specificity, high sensitivity, satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility, our method is simple and suitable for the quantitative determination of nanomolar level of nitrite and nitrate in a large number of serum samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magneto-switchable electrocatalytic and bioelectrocatalytic transformations

Magnetic switching of redox reactions and bioelectrocatalytic transformations is accomplished in the presence of relay-functionalized magnetite particles (Fe(3)O(4)). The electrochemistry of a naphthoquinone (1), pyrroloquinoline quinone (2; PQQ), microperoxidase-11 (3), a ferrocene derivative (4) and a bipyridinium derivative (5), functionalized magnetic particles, is switched "ON" and "OFF" by an external magnet upon the attraction of the magnetic particles to an electrode or their retraction from the electrode, respectively. The magneto-switchable activation and deactivation of the electrochemical oxidation of the ferrocene-functionalized magnetic particles and the electrochemical reduction of the bipyridinium-functionalized magnetic particles are used for the triggering of mediated bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose, in the presence of glucose oxidase (GOx), and bioelectrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO(3) (-)), in the presence of nitrate reductase (NR), respectively. Magnetic particles functionalized with a PQQ-NAD(+) dyad are used for the magnetic switching of the bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of lactate in the presence of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The coupling of these particles with a ferrocene-monolayer-functionalized electrode allows the dual and selective sensing of lactate and glucose in the presence of LDH and GOx, respectively, by using an external magnet to switch the detection mode.     

Diode or tunnel-diode characteristics? Resolving the catalytic consequences of proton coupled electron transfer in a multi-centered oxidoreductase

Protein film voltammetry has been employed to define multiple catalytic consequences of proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) in a cytochrome c nitrite reductase. Current-potential profiles reflecting the steady-state rate of nitrite-limited reduction have been defined from pH 4 to 8. Lowering the electrode potential at pH 8 causes the catalytic current to increase and then decrease before it takes a value independent of any further lowering of electrode potential. By comparison, at pH 4, catalysis is initiated at more positive electrode potentials in an approximately sigmoidal fashion with no attenuation of the catalytic rate evident at more negative electrode potentials. The results show that activity is turned on by the coupled transfer of two electrons and one proton to the enzyme. The decreased rate of catalysis at lower electrode potentials under more alkaline conditions shows that this rate attenuation occurs only when reduction is not coupled to compensating protonation(s) of the enzyme. Sites within the enzyme whose reduction and/or protonation may contribute to the definition of these activities are discussed.     

Nitrate and ammonium ion-selective electrodes as sensors : Part II. Assay of nitrate ion and nitrate and nitrite reductases in stationary solutions and under flow-stream conditions

Nitrate ion-selective electrodes were successfully applied both in stationary solutions and in flow streams as new analytical techniques for the assay of nitrate reductase activity. An ammonium-selective electrode was similarly used to measure the increase in ammonium ion concentration during the enzymatic reduction of nitrate to ammonium. Preliminary studies on a true enzyme electrode for assay of nitrate ion are discussed.