Electrochemical properties of cytochroms P450 using nanostructured electrodes: Direct electron transfer and electro catalysis

Electrochemical transformations catalyzed by cytochrome P450s and peroxidases

Cytochrome P450s (Cyt P450s) and peroxidases are enzymes featuring iron heme cofactors that have wide applicability as biocatalysts in chemical syntheses. Cyt P450s are a family of monooxygenases that oxidize fatty acids, steroids, and xenobiotics, synthesize hormones, and convert drugs and other chemicals to metabolites. Peroxidases are involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide and can oxidize organic compounds during this process. Both heme-containing enzymes utilize active Fe^IVO intermediates to oxidize reactants. By incorporating these enzymes in stable thin films on electrodes, Cyt P450s and peroxidases can accept electrons from an electrode, albeit by different mechanisms, and catalyze organic transformations in a feasible and cost-effective way. This is an advantageous approach, often called bioelectrocatalysis, compared to their biological pathways in solution that require expensive biochemical reductants such as NADPH or additional enzymes to recycle NADPH for Cyt P450s. Bioelectrocatalysis also serves as an ex situ platform to investigate metabolism of drugs and bio-relevant chemicals. In this paper we review biocatalytic electrochemical reactions using Cyt P450s including C-H activation, S-oxidation, epoxidation, N-hydroxylation, and oxidative N-, and O-dealkylation; as well as reactions catalyzed by peroxidases including synthetically important oxidations of organic compounds. Design aspects of these bioelectrocatalytic reactions are presented and discussed, including enzyme film formation on electrodes, temperature, pH, solvents, and activation of the enzymes. Finally, we discuss challenges and future perspective of these two important bioelectrocatalytic systems.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Biosensors Based on Enzyme Inhibition for Clinical and Pharmaceutical Applications

A large number of enzyme inhibitors are used as drugs to treat several diseases such as gout, diabetes, AIDS, depression, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Electrochemical biosensors based on enzyme inhibition are useful devices for an easy, fast and environment friendly monitoring of inhibitors like drugs. In the last decades, electrochemical biosensors have shown great potentials in the detection of different drugs like neostigmine, ketoconazole, donepezil, allopurinol and many others. They attracted increasing attention due to the advantage of being high sensitive and accurate analytical tools, able to reach low detection limits and the possibility to be performed on real samples. This review will spotlight the research conducted in the past 10 years (2007-2017) on inhibition based enzymatic electrochemical biosensors for the analysis of different drugs. New assays based on novel bio-devices will be debated. Moreover, the exploration of the recent graphical approach in diagnosis of reversible and irreversible inhibition mechanism will be discussed. The accurate and the fast diagnosis of inhibition type will help researchers in further drug design improvements and the identification of new molecules that will serve as new enzyme targets.

Scrutiny of electrochemically-driven electrocatalysis of C-19 steroid 1α-hydroxylase (CYP260A1) from Sorangium cellulosum So ce56

Direct electrochemistry and bioelectrocatalysis of a newly discovered C-19 steroid 1α-hydroxylase (CYP260A1) from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum So ce56 were investigated. CYP260A1 was immobilized on screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPE) modified with gold nanoparticles, stabilized by didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (SPE/DDAB/Au). Cyclic voltammograms in argon-saturated substrate free 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, and in enzyme-substrate complex with androstenedione demonstrated a redox processes with a single redox couple of E(0') of -299 ± 16 mV and -297.5 ± 21 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. CYP260A1 exhibited an electrocatalytic activity detected by an increase of the reduction current in the presence of dissolved oxygen and upon addition of the substrate (androstenedione) in the air-saturated buffer. The catalytic current of the enzyme correlated with substrate concentration in the electrochemical system and this dependence can be described by electrochemical Michaelis-Menten model. The products of CYP260A1-depended electrolysis at controlled working electrode potential of androstenedione were analyzed by mass-spectrometry. MS analysis revealed a mono-hydroxylated product of CYP260A1-dependent electrocatalytic reaction towards androstenedione.

A Cytochrome P450 3A4 Biosensor Based on Generation 4.0 PAMAM Dendrimers for the Detection of Caffeine

Cytochromes P450 (CYP, P450) are a large family of heme-active-site proteins involved in many catalytic processes, including steroidogenesis. In humans, four primary enzymes are involved in the metabolism of almost all xenobiotics. Among these enzymes, CYP3A4 is responsible for the inactivation of the majority of used drugs which makes this enzyme an interesting target for many fields of research, especially pharmaceutical research. Since the late 1970s, attempts have been made to construct and develop electrochemical sensors for the determination of substrates. This paper is concerned with the establishment of such a CYP3A4-containing biosensor. The sensor was constructed by adsorption of alternating layers of sub-nanometer gold particle-modified PAMAM (poly-amido-amine) dendrimers of generation 4.0, along with the enzyme by a layer-by-layer assembly technique. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to elucidate the sensor assembly. Additionally, the biosensor was tested by cyclic voltammetry using caffeine as a substrate.

[Interaction of novel oxazoline derivatives of 17(20)e-pregna-5,17(20)-diene with cytochrome P450 17A1]

In order to find novel inhibitors of 17a-hydroxylase-17,20-lyase (cytochrome P450 17A1, CYP17A1), a key enzyme of biosynthesis of androgens, molecular docking of six new oxazoline-containing derivatives 17(20)E-pregna-5,17(20)-diene has been carried out to the active site of the crystal structure of CYP17A1 (pdb 3ruk). Results of this study indicate that: 1) complex formation of docked compounds with CYP17A1 causes their isomerization in energetically less favorable 17(20)Z-isomer; 2) the localization of the steroid moiety of all compounds in the active site is basically the same; 3) the structure of the oxazoline moiety significantly influences its position relative to heme as well as the energy of complex formation; 4) coordination of the nitrogen atom of the oxazoline moiety and the heme iron is only possible in the 17(20)Z-conformation with anti oriented double bonds 17(20), and C=N; 5) the presence of two substituents at C4' of the oxazoline moiety significantly impairs ligand binding; 6) oxazoline--and benzoxazole-containing derivatives 17(20)E-pregna-5,17(20)-diene can effectively inhibit the catalytic activity CYP17A1 and may be of interest as a basis for the development of new drugs for the treatment of androgen-dependent cancer.

[Protein-protein interactions of cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5 with their intermediate redox partners cytochromes b5]

Molecular interactions between proteins redox partners (cytochromes Р450 3А4, 3А5 and cytochrome b5) within the monooxygenase system, which is known to be involved in drug biotransformation, were investigated. Human cytochromes Р450 3А4 and 3А5 (CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) form complexes with various cytochromes b5: the microsomal (b5mc) and mitochondrial (b5om) forms of this protein, as well as with 2 "chimeric" proteins, b5(om-mc), b5(mc-om). Kinetic constants and equilibrium dissociation constants were determined by the SPR biosensor. Essential distinction between CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 was only observed upon their interactions with cytochrome b5om. Electroanalytical characteristics of electrodes with immobilized hemoproteins were obtained. The electrochemical analysis of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, b5mc, b5om, b5(om-mc), and b5(mc-om) immobilized on screen printed graphite electrodes modified with membranous matrix revealed that these proteins have very close reduction potentials -0.435  -0.350 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Cytochrome b5mc was shown to be capable of stimulating the electrocatalytic activity of CYP3A4 in the presence of its substrate testosterone.

Facilitated biosensing via direct electron transfer of myoglobin integrated into diblock copolymer/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Sequential drop-casting of a MWCNTs suspension and a amphiphilic copolymer micellar solution onto an electrode results in a favorable nanocomposite for integration of myoglobin, showing facilitated direct electron transfer.

Novel oxazolinyl derivatives of pregna-5,17(20)-diene as 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) inhibitors

New oxazolinyl derivatives of [17(20)E]-pregna-5,17(20)-diene: 2'-{[(E)-3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-ylidene]methyl}-4',5'-dihydro-1',3'-oxazole 1 and 2'-{[(E)-3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-ylidene]methyl}-4',4'-dimethyl-4',5'-dihydro-1',3'-oxazole 2 were evaluated as potential CYP17A1 inhibitors in comparison with 17-(pyridin-3-yl)androsta-5,16-dien-3β-ol 3 (abiraterone). Differential absorption spectra of human recombinant CYP17A1 in the presence of compound 1 (λmax=422 nm, λmin=386 nm) and compound 2 (λmax=416 nm) indicated significant differences in enzyme/inhibitors complexes. CYP17A1 activity was measured using electrochemical methods. Inhibitory activity of compound 1 was comparable with abiraterone 3 (IC50=0.9±0.1 μM, and IC50=1.3±0.1 μM, for compounds 1 and 3, respectively), while compound 2 was found to be weaker inhibitor (IC50=13±1 μM). Docking of aforementioned compounds to CYP17A1 revealed that steroid fragments of compound 1 and abiraterone 3 occupied close positions; oxazoline cycle of compound 1 was coordinated with heme iron similarly to pyridine cycle of abiraterone 3. Configuration of substituents at 17(20) double bond in preferred docked position corresponded to Z-isomers of compounds 1 and 2. Presence of 4'-substituents in oxazoline ring of compound 2 prevents coordination of oxazoline nitrogen with heme iron and worsens its docking score in comparison with compound 1. These data indicate that oxazolinyl derivative of [17(20)E]-pregna-5,17(20)-diene 1 (rather than 4',4'-dimethyl derivative 2) may be considered as potential CYP17A1 inhibitor and template for development of new compounds affecting growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells.

[Protein-protein interactions of cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5 with their intermediate redox partners cytochromes b5]

Molecular interactions between proteins redox partners (cytochromes P450 3A4, 3A5 and cytochrome b5) within the monooxygenase system, which is known to be involved in drug biotransformation, were investigated. Human cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5 (CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) form complexes with various cytochromes b5: the microsomal (b5mc) and mitochondrial (b5om) forms of this protein, as well as with 2 "chimeric" proteins, b5(om-mc), b5(mc-om). Kinetic constants and equilibrium dissociation constants were determined by the SPR biosensor. Essential distinction between CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 was only observed upon their interactions with cytochrome b5om. Electroanalytical characteristics of electrodes with immobilized hemoproteins were obtained. The electrochemical analysis of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, b5mc, b5om, b5(om-mc), and b5(mc-om) immobilized on screen printed graphite electrodes modified with membranous matrix revealed that these proteins have very close reduction potentials -0.435 - -0.350 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Cytochrome b5mc was shown to be capable of stimulating the electrocatalytic activity of CYP3A4 to testosterone.

[Role of antioxidants in electro catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4]

The electrochemical analysis of cytochrome Р450 3А4 catalytic activity has shown that vitamins C, A and Е influence on electron transfer and Fe3+/Fe2+ reduction process of cytochrome Р450 3А4. These data allow to assume possibility of cross effects and interference of vitamins-antioxidants with drugs metabolised by cytochrome Р450 3А4, at carrying out of complex therapy. This class of vitamins shows antioxidant properties that lead to increase of the cathodic current corresponding to heme reduction of this functionally significant haemoprotein. Ascorbic acid of 0.028-0.56 mM concentration stimulates cathodic peak (an electrochemical signal) of cytochrome Р450 3А4. At the presence of diclofenac (Voltaren) - a typical substrate of cytochrome Р450 3А4 - the increase growth of a catalytic current testifying to an electrocatalysis and stimulating action of ascorbic acid is observed. In the presence of vitamins A and Е also is registered dose-dependent (in a range of 10-100 M) increase in a catalytic current of cytochrome Р450 3А4: the maximum increase corresponds to 229 ± 20% for 100 M of vitamin A, and 162±10% for 100 M of vitamin E. Vitamin E in the presence of P450's inhibitor itraconazole doesn't give essential increase in a reductive current, unlike retinol (vitamin A). This effect can manifest substrate properties of tocopherol (vitamin E). The electrochemical approach for the analysis of catalytic activity of cytochrome Р450 3А4 and studies of influence of biologically active compounds on an electrocatalysis is the sensitive and effective sensor approach, allowing to use low concentration of protein on an electrode (till 10-15 mol/electrode), to carry out the analysis without participation of protein redox partners, and to reveal drug-drug or drug-vitamins interaction in pre-clinical experiments.

[Electrochemical sensor systems based on one dimensional (1D) nanostructures for analysis of bioaffinity interactions]

It was shown that modification of screen printed graphite electrodes with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated Pb nanowires (PbNWs) demonstrates the enhancement of sensor's analytical characteristics such as effective surface area, electro catalytic properties and heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics. The reason for such improvement may be the synergistic effect ofAuNPs and PbNWs. Nanowires ensembles on electrode surface were employed for the detection of hemeproteins cytochrome P450 2B4, cytochrome c, and cardiac myoglobin in human plasma. Composite materials based on nanoparticles with different dimentions (3D three dimensional gold nanoparticles and 1D one dimensional Pb nanowires make it possible to construct biosensors with low detection limit of proteins.

[The influence of vitamin B group on monooxygenase activity of cytochrome P450 3A4: pharmacokinetics and electro analysis of catalytic properties]

It was shown that vitamin B group permit to shorten the longitude of diclofenak therapy and to reduce the daytime dose of this drug. All three schemes of diclofenac treatment - only diclofenac, diclofenac plus 2 tablets of Gitagamp (mixture of vitamin B group), and diclofenac plus 4 tablets of Gitagamp--gave maximum value of diclofenal in blood through 1 hour after treatment. In the case of diclofenak treatment without vitamins Cmax corresponds to 1137.2 +/- 82.4 ng/ml, with 2 tablets of Gitagamp--Cmax 1326.7 +/- 122.5 ng/ml, and with 4 tablets--Cmax 2200.4 +/- 111.3 ng/ml. Positive influence of vitamin B group on the decrease of pain syndrome was shown. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics data were confirmed in electrochemical experiments with cytochrome P450 3A4. For enzyme immobilization screen printed graphite electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles and synthetic membrane-like compound didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB/Au) were used. Electrochemical analysis reviled the influence of vitamin B group on metabolism of non steroid anti inflammation drug diclofenac catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A4. Riboflavin was the most effective inhibitor of diclofenac hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 3A4 as was compared at 300 M concentration of vitamin B group (B1, B2, B6). These data confirmed the opportunity of pharmacokinetic parameters regulation and the level of pharmacodynamic effects by the influence of vitamin B group on the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4.

[Sensor systems for medical application based on hemoproteins and nanocomposite materials]

Recent advances in nanotechnologies stimulate the development of sensor systems based on nanocomposite materials. This review discusses the prospects and challenges of sensors coupled with functionally important for medicine hemoproteins and nanoscale materials. Authors summarized their own experimental results and literature data on hemoprotein-based sensor systems. Mechanisms and the main function principles of electrochemical nanosensors are also discussed.

Electrochemical nanobiosensor for express diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in undiluted plasma

The myocardial infarction biomarker myoglobin was quantified at the biological level in undiluted plasma using developed electrochemical nanosensors with immobilized anti-myoglobin. Method for cardiac myoglobin detection is based on direct electron transfer between Fe(III)-heme and electrode surface modified with gold nanoparticles/didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB/Au) and antibodies. The procedure of myoglobin detection was optimized (pH, incubation times and characteristics of electrodes) to express determination of the marker in serum or plasma. Plasma of healthy donors and patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was analyzed using electrochemical immunosensors and RAMP immunoassay. Square wave voltammetry cathodic peak of cardiac myoglobin reduction was found to be proportional to myoglobin quantity in plasma as determined by RAMP. The method proposed does not require signal enhancement or amplification; nor does it require labeled secondary antibodies. Immunosensor has a detection limit of 10 ng/ml (0.56 nM) and a broad range of working concentrations (10-1780 ng/ml; 0.56-100 nM). The whole procedure takes 30 min and can be used for express diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Electrochemical checking of aerobic isolates from electrochemically active biofilms formed in compost

AIMS

To design a cyclic voltammetry (CV) procedure to check the electrochemical activity of bacterial isolates that may explain the electrochemical properties of biofilms formed in compost.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacteria catalysing acetate oxidation in garden compost were able to form electrochemically active biofilms by transferring electrons to an electrode under chronoamperometry. They were recovered from the electrode surface and identification of the isolates using 16S rRNA sequencing showed that most of them were Gammaproteobacteria, mainly related to Enterobacter and Pseudomonas spp. A CV procedure was designed to check the electrochemical activity of both groups of isolates. Preliminary CVs suggested that the bacteria were not responsible for the catalysis of acetate oxidation. In contrast, both groups of isolates were found to catalyse the electrochemical reduction of oxygen under experimental conditions that favoured adsorption of the microbial cells on the electrode surface.

CONCLUSIONS

Members of the genera Enterobacter and Pseudomonas were found to be able to catalyse the electrochemical reduction of oxygen.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study has shown the unexpected efficiency of Enterobacter and Pseudomonas spp. in catalysing the reduction of oxygen, suggesting a possible involvement of these species in biocorrosion, or possible application of these strains in designing bio-cathode for microbial fuel cells.

Au-nanoparticles as an electrochemical sensing platform for aptamer-thrombin interaction

A novel electrochemical method for the detection of bioaffinity interactions based on a gold-nanoparticles sensing platform and on the usage of stripping voltammetry technique was developed. The oxidation of gold surface (resulted in gold oxide formation) upon polarization served as a basis for analytical response. As a model, thrombin-thrombin binding aptamer couple was chosen. The aptamer was immobilized on a screen-printed electrode modified with gold-nanoparticles by avidin-biotin technology. Cathodic peak area was found proportional to thrombin quantity specifically adsorbed onto electrode surface. Sigmoid calibration curve as is typical for immunoassay was obtained, with thrombin detection limit of 10(-9)M. Linear range corresponds from 10(-8) to 10(-5)M thrombin concentration or 2 x 10(-14) to 2 x 10(-11)mol/electrode (R=0.996). Binding of thrombin to an aptamer has also been detected using the ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple as electrochemical indicator.

Protein electrodes with direct electrochemical communication

Electrochemistry using direct electron transfer between an electrode and a protein or an enzyme has developed into a means for studying biological redox reactions and for bioanalytics, biosynthesis and bioenergetics. This review summarizes recent work on direct protein electrochemistry with special emphasis on our results in bioelectrocatalysis using isolated enzymes and enzyme-protein couples.