Bioelectrocatalysis in ionic liquids. Examining specific cation and anion effects on electrode-immobilized cytochrome c

Ionic Liquids in Metal, Photo-, Electro-, and (Bio) Catalysis

Ionic liquids (ILs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them advantageous for catalysis, such as low vapor pressure, non-flammability, high thermal and chemical stabilities, and the ability to enhance the activity and stability of (bio)catalysts. ILs can improve the efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability of bio(transformations) by acting as activators of enzymes, selectively dissolving substrates and products, and reducing toxicity. They can also be recycled and reused multiple times without losing their effectiveness. ILs based on imidazolium cation are preferred for structural organization aspects, with a semiorganized layer surrounding the catalyst. ILs act as a container, providing a confined space that allows modulation of electronic and geometric effects, miscibility of reactants and products, and residence time of species. ILs can stabilize ionic and radical species and control the catalytic activity of dynamic processes. Supported IL phase (SILP) derivatives and polymeric ILs (PILs) are good options for molecular engineering of greener catalytic processes. The major factors governing metal, photo-, electro-, and biocatalysts in ILs are discussed in detail based on the vast literature available over the past two and a half decades. Catalytic reactions, ranging from hydrogenation and cross-coupling to oxidations, promoted by homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in both single and multiphase conditions, are extensively reviewed and discussed considering the knowledge accumulated until now.

Effect of different ionic liquids and organic solvents on the structural and physicochemical properties of cellulose-protein complexes extracted from Se-enriched peanut leaves

Abundant cellulose and insoluble protein were contained in the Se-enriched peanut leaf residue, a by-product from leaf protein extraction. Ionic liquids (ILs) were used to extract the cellulose-protein complexes (CPCs) from Se-enriched peanut leaf residue. The effects of various ILs as extractants and organic solvents as regenerant on the physicochemical properties of CPCs were compared. The results showed that the yield of CPCs and recovery yield of [AMIM]Cl (1-allyl-3-methylimidazole chloride) were better than those of [BMIM]Cl (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride). Simultaneously, it could be seen from the infrared absorption peaks and secondary structure fitting results that [BMIM]Cl seemed stronger than [AMIM]Cl in destroying the secondary structure of CPCs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the CPCs extracted by [BMIM]Cl were lamellate with holes on the surface, and the CPCs extracted by [AMIM]Cl were rough, almost without holes on the surface. Furthermore, the transmittance and tensile strength of the film which contained BA-CPC ([BMIM]Cl as extractant and acetonitrile as regenerant) film were better than those contained AA-CPC ([AMIM]Cl as extractant and acetonitrile as regenerant) film, which might be mainly because the types of ILs and regenerants affect the particle size of CPCs, thereby influencing the mechanical properties of the film.

Structural changes in cellular membranes induced by ionic liquids: From model to bacterial membranes

Ionic liquids (ILs) have generated considerable attention recently because of their cytotoxicity and application as antibiotics. However, the mechanism of how they damage cell membranes is not currently well understood. In this paper, the antibacterial activities of two imidazolium-based ILs, namely 1-butyl- 3-methylimidazolium tetrafluroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) and 1-ethyl- 3-methylimidazolium tetrafluroborate ([EMIM][BF4]) have been investigated. The activity of [BMIM][BF4] on gram negative bacteria E. coli is observed to be stronger compared with the short chained [EMIM][BF4]. To explain this observation, the effects of these ILs on the self-assembled structures of model cellular membranes have been investigated. The in-plane elasticity of a monolayer formed at air-water interface by 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn-glycero- 3-phosphocholine (DPPC) lipids was reduced in the presence of the ILs. The x-ray reflectivity studies on polymer supported lipid bilayer have shown the bilayer to shrink and correspondingly exhibit an increase in electron density. The presence of a certain mol% of negatively charged lipid, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DPPS), in DPPC mono- and bi-layers enhances the effect considerably.

Dynamics of Ionic Liquid-Assisted Refolding of Denatured Cytochrome c: A Study of Preferential Interactions toward Renaturation

In vitro refolding of denatured protein and the influence of the alkyl chain on the refolding of a protein were tested using long chain imidazolium chloride salts, 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride [C₈mim][Cl], and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C₁₀mim][Cl]. The horse heart cytochrome c (h-cyt c) was denatured by urea and guanidinium hydrochloride (GdnHCl), as well as by base-induced denaturation at pH 13, to provide a broad overview of the overall refolding behavior. The variation in the alkyl chain of the ionic liquids (ILs) showed a profound effect on the refolding of denatured h-cyt c. The ligand-induced refolding was correlated to understand the mechanism of the conformational stability of proteins in aqueous solutions of ILs. The results showed that the long chain ILs having the [C₈mim]⁺ and [C₁₀mim]⁺ cations promote the refolding of alkali-denatured h-cyt c. The IL having the [C₁₀mim]⁺ cation efficiently refolded the alkali-denatured h-cyt c with the formation of the MG state, whereas the IL having the [C₈mim]⁺ cation, which is known to be compatible for protein stability, shows slight refolding and forms a different transition state. The lifetime results show successful refolding of alkaline-denatured h-cyt c by both of the ILs, however, more refolding was observed in the case of [C₁₀mim][Cl], and this was correlated with the fast and medium lifetimes (τ₁ and τ₂) obtained, which show an increase accompanied by an increase in secondary structure. The hydrophobic interactions plays an important role in the refolding of chemically and alkali-denatured h-cyt c by long chain imidazolium ILs. The formation of the MG state by [C₁₀mim][Cl] was also confirmed, as some regular structure exists far below the CMC of IL. The overall results suggested that the [C₁₀mim]⁺ cation bound to the unfolded h-cyt c triggers its refolding by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions that stabilize the MG state.

Thermodynamics of interaction of ionic liquids with lipid monolayer

Understanding the interaction of ionic liquids with cellular membrane becomes utterly important to comprehend the activities of these liquids in living organisms. Lipid monolayer formed at the air-water interface is employed as a model system to follow this interaction by investigating important thermodynamic parameters. The penetration kinetics of the imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([DMIM][BF4]) into the zwitterionic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) lipid layer is found to follow the Boltzmann-like equation that reveals the characteristic time constant which is observed to be the function of initial surface pressure. The enthalpy and entropy calculated from temperature-dependent pressure-area isotherms of the monolayer show that the added ionic liquids bring about a disordering effect in the lipid film. The change in Gibbs free energy indicates that an ionic liquid with longer chain has a far greater disordering effect compared to an ionic liquid with shorter chain. The differential scanning calorimetric measurement on a multilamellar vesicle system shows the main phase transition temperature to shift to a lower value, which, again, indicates the disordering effect of the ionic liquid on lipid membrane. All these studies fundamentally point out that, when ionic liquids interact with lipid molecules, the self-assembled structure of a cellular membrane gets perturbed, which may be the mechanism of these molecules having adverse effects on living organisms.

Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fluorescence Spectroscopic Investigation of the Interactions of Ionic Liquids and Catalase

The inhibitory effects of nine ionic liquids (ILs) on the catalase activity were investigated using fluorescence, absorption ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The interactions of ILs and catalase on the molecular level were studied. The experimental results indicated that ILs could inhibit the catalase activity and their inhibitory abilities depended on their chemical structures. Fluorescence experiments showed that hydrogen bonding played an important role in the interaction process. The inhibitory abilities of ILs on catalase activity could be simply described by their hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonding abilities. Unexpected less inhibitory effects of trifluoromethanesulfonate (TfO^-) might be ascribed to its larger size, which makes it difficult to go through the substrate channel of catalase to the active site.

Conjugation of cytochrome c with ferrocene-terminated hyperbranched polymer and its influence on protein structure, conformation and function

Interaction mechanism of a new hyperbranched polyurethane-based ferrocene (HPU-Fc) with cytochrome c (cyt c) and cyt c structure and conformation change induced by HPU-Fc were investigated using cyclic voltammogram(CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence and absorbance spectroscopy technique. The peroxidase activity of cyt c in the presence of HPU-Fc was also studied. The structure and conformation of protein are relatively stable at moderate concentration of HPU-Fc without obvious perturbation of the heme pocket and significant changes in protein secondary structure. Conjugation of cyt c with excessive HPU-Fc (over about 3 times of cyt c) slightly changed the α-helix structure in protein, disturbed the microenvironment around heme as well as away from the heme crevice, which caused the changes of the electrochemical behavior and the absorption spectra. Reasonable amount of HPU-Fc has no significant influence on the protein enzymatic activity, while excess HPU-Fc may cause a conformation not suitable for H2O2 activation and guaiacol oxidation. The interaction of HPU-Fc with cyt c and the conservation of protein function at suitable HPU-Fc amount make prepared complex promising for the synergistic anticancer therapy.

Molecularly "wired" cholesterol oxidase for biosensing

The influence of several factors on the activity of cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) transiently exposed to a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) was studied. Presence of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD, prosthetic group of ChOx) during exposure to RTIL makes the procedure enzyme-friendly, while the use of RTIL (green reagent) makes it environmentally-friendly. Following exposure to RTIL and its subsequent removal, FAD becomes part of the molecular structure of the refolded protein (a molecular "wire"). This makes the procedure used here a molecular one. The factors studied were: FAD presence in RTIL during modification, water presence during exposure to RTIL, and ratio FAD:RTIL during "wiring". Performance parameters monitored were: enzyme activity before and after "wiring" (expressed as (dA/dt)/mg enzyme, and measured spectrophotometrically), peak current in an amperometric biosensor for cholesterol detection, and linearity of the biosensor response depending on cholesterol concentration. After RTIL removal, the modified enzyme (ME) retained a high percentage of the added FAD, which supplemented that of the native enzyme (functioning as a "wire" and enhancing electron transfer kinetics), and a fraction of the initial activity. Used in an amperometric biosensor, ME showed catalytic activity, linear behavior as a function of cholesterol concentration, and stability.

Ionic liquid poly(3-n-dodecyl-1-vinylimidazolium) bromide as an adsorbent for the sorption of hemoglobin

A novel polymeric ionic liquid, poly(1-vinylimidazolium-3-n-dodecyl) bromide, exhibits selective adsorption of hemoglobin from human whole blood.

Phosphonium-based ionic liquids as modifiers for biomedical grade poly(vinyl chloride)

This work reports and discusses the influence of four phosphonium-based ionic liquids (PhILs), namely trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium dicyanamide, [P(6,6,6,14)][dca]; trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [P(6,6,6,14)][Tf(2)N]; tetrabutyl phosphonium bromide, [P(4,4,4,4)][Br]; and tetrabutyl phosphonium chloride, [P(4,4,4,4)][Cl], on some of the chemical, physical and biological properties of a biomedical-grade suspension of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The main goal of this work was to evaluate the capacity of these PhILs to modify some of the properties of neat PVC, in particular those that may allow their use as potential alternatives to traditional phthalate-based plasticizers in PVC biomedical applications. PVC films having different PhIL compositions (0, 5, 10 and 20 wt.%) were prepared (by solvent film casting) and characterised by Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray/electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, transmittance, permeability towards oxygen and carbon dioxide, thermal degradation, contact angle measurement, water and vapour uptake, leachability and biocompatibility (haemolytic potential, thrombogenicity and cytotoxicity). A conventional organic plasticizer (di-isononyl phthalate) was used for comparison purposes. The results obtained showed that it was possible to change the neat PVC hydrophobicity, and consequently its water uptake capacity and plasticizer leachability, just by changing the PhIL employed and its composition. It was also possible to significantly change the thermal and mechanical properties of PVC films by choosing appropriate PhIL cation/anion combinations. However, a specific PhIL may not always be capable of simultaneously keeping and/or improving both physical properties. In addition, ionic halide salts were found to promote PVC dehydrochlorination. Finally, none of the prepared materials presented toxicity against Caco-2 cells, though pure [P(6,6,6,14)][dca] decreased HepG2 cells viability. Moreover, PVC films with [P(6,6,6,14)][dca] and [P(4,4,4,4)][Cl] were found to be haemolytic and thus these PhILs must be avoided as PVC modifiers if biomedical applications are envisaged. In conclusion, from all the PhILs tested, [P(6,6,6,14)][Tf(2)N] showed the most promising results regarding blood compatibility, leaching and permeability to gases of PVC films. The results presented are a strong indicator that adequate PhILs may be successfully employed as PVC multi-functional plasticizers for a wide range of potential applications, including those in the biomedical field.

Fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy of cytochrome c in alkylammonium formate ionic liquids

The structural stability of cytochrome c has been studied in alkylammonium formate (AAF) ionic liquids such as methylammonium formate (MAF) and ethylammonium formate (EAF) by fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. At room temperature, the native structure of cytochrome c is maintained in relatively high ionic liquid concentrations (50-70% AAF/water or AAF/phosphate buffer pH 7.0) in contrast with denaturation of cytochrome c in similar solutions of methanol or acetonitrile with water or buffer cosolvents. Fluorescence and CD spectra indicate that the conformation of cytochrome c is maintained in 20% AAF-80% water from 30 to 50 °C. No such temperature stability is found in 80% AAF-20% water. About one-third of the enzyme activity of cytochrome c in 80% AAF-20% water can be maintained as compared with phosphate buffer, and this is greater than the activities measured in corresponding methanol and acetonitrile aqueous solutions. This biophysical study shows that AAFs have potential application as organic solvent replacements at moderate temperature in the mobile phase for the separation of proteins in their native form by reversed phase liquid chromatography.

Dissolution and dissolved state of cytochrome C in a neat, hydrophilic ionic liquid

The dissolution and dissolved molecular state of cytochrome c were investigated in the room temperature ionic liquid ethylmethylimidazolium ethylsulfate, [EMIM][EtSO4], by viscometry, optical and vibrational spectroscopies, and peroxidase activity. In dilute mixtures, viscometry demonstrated true molecular dissolution of cytochrome c in the ionic liquid and uncovered a molecular size larger than that in aqueous buffer, suggesting altered solvation or slight denaturation. The protein's heme unit absorbs light outside the spectral range masked by [EMIM], enabling conformational assessments by UV-visible and circular dichroism spectroscopies. Adding trends from fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, unchanged secondary but perturbed tertiary structures were determined, consistent with the appreciable peroxidase activity measured. Different than in aqueous buffers, denaturation is not accompanied by aggregation. Results are relevant to the proposed application of ionic liquids as media for room temperature preservation of biomacromolecules.

Ionic-liquid materials for the electrochemical challenges of the future

Ionic liquids are room-temperature molten salts, composed mostly of organic ions that may undergo almost unlimited structural variations. This review covers the newest aspects of ionic liquids in applications where their ion conductivity is exploited; as electrochemical solvents for metal/semiconductor electrodeposition, and as batteries and fuel cells where conventional media, organic solvents (in batteries) or water (in polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells), fail. Biology and biomimetic processes in ionic liquids are also discussed. In these decidedly different materials, some enzymes show activity that is not exhibited in more traditional systems, creating huge potential for bioinspired catalysis and biofuel cells. Our goal in this review is to survey the recent key developments and issues within ionic-liquid research in these areas. As well as informing materials scientists, we hope to generate interest in the wider community and encourage others to make use of ionic liquids in tackling scientific challenges.

Supported phospholipid membrane interactions with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation measurements were conducted for a 98/2 mole ratio of 1,2-dielaidoylphosphocholine (DEPC) and 1,2-dimyristoylphosphoglycerol (DMPG) on silica, gold, and a self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercapto-1-undecanol (11MU) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11MUA) at 50 mol % each. This study demonstrates that vesicles composed of DEPC and DMPG at 98 and 2 mol %, respectively, formed a supported bilayer with unruptured vesicles present when adsorbed onto the self-assembled monolayer. Also, the partially formed supported bilayer apparently deadsorbed in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, suggesting that surface-bilayer interactions are weaker on a hydrophilic modified gold surface composed of 50/50 11MU/11MUA than the surface-bilayer interactions on silica.