Electrochemical Communication with Molybdoenzymes

Prof. Paul V. Bernhardt

School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioseciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072 Australia

Abstract:

All redox active enzymes require an external electron donor or acceptor to sustain their reactivity. Integration of the enzyme with an electrical circuit as a substitute for the natural electron transfer partner is central to the transition from native function to an artificial bioelectronic device.
We have focused our efforts on the mononuclear molybdenum enzymes [1-3] where the scheme shows the generic substrate redox reactions (typically O- atom transfer) carried out by these enzymes. Both the reductases and oxidases/dehydrogenases are included in the scheme.
Some recent results from our lab will be presented where we apply different electrochemical approaches to these interesting enzymes in an effort to exploit the high selectivity and reactivity.

[1] Bernhardt, P.V. Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 1663-1673 (review).
[2] Kalimuthu, P.; Tkac, J.; Kappler, U.; Davis, J.J.; Bernhardt, P.V. Anal. Chem. 2010, 82, 7374-7379.
[3] Kalimuthu, P.; Leimkühler, S.; Bernhardt, P. V. Anal. Chem. 2012, 84, 10359-10365