Spectroelectrochemical study of cellobiose dehydrogenase and diaphorase in a thiol-modified gold capillary in the absence of mediators

Emerging Trends of Bilirubin Oxidases at the Bioelectrochemical Interface: Paving the Way for Self-Powered Electrochemical Devices and Biosensors

Bilirubin oxidases (BODs) [EC 1.3.3.5 - bilirubin: oxygen oxido-reductase] are enzymes that belong to the multicopper oxidase family and can oxidize bilirubin, diphenols, and aryl amines and reduce the oxygen by direct four-electron transfer from the electrode with almost no electrochemical overpotential. Therefore, BOD is a promising bioelectrocatalyst for (self-powered) biosensors and/or enzymatic fuel cells. The advantages of electrochemically active BOD enzymes include selective biosensing, biocatalysis for efficient energy conversion, and electrosynthesis. Owing to the rise in publications and patents, as well as the expanding interest in BODs for a range of physiological conditions, this Review analyzes scientific literature reports on BOD enzymes and current hypotheses on their bioelectrocatalysis. This Review evaluates the specific research outcomes of the BOD in enzyme (protein) engineering, immobilization strategies, and challenges along with their bioelectrochemical properties, limitations, and applications in the fields of (i) biosensors, (ii) self-powered biosensors, and (iii) biofuel cells for powering bioelectronics.

Electrochemical Characterization of the Laccase-Catalyzed Oxidation of 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol: an Insight into the Direct Electron Transfer by Enzyme and Enzyme-Mediator System

The oxidation process of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (2,6-DMP) by laccase from Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05 and the corresponding enzyme-mediator systems was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The enzyme was classified as a high oxidation potential laccase (> 0.70) V vs. NHE) based on its Redox potential at different pHs. The cyclic voltammograms for 2,6-DMP (- 58.7 mV pH^-1) showed that its oxidation potential decreased more significantly compared to the enzyme (- 50.2 mV pH^-1) by varying the pH. The 2,2'-azino-bis[3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] diammonium salt (ABTS) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) mediators were effectively oxidized by laccase from B. rhodina MAMB-05. The influence of laccase on the comproportionation of ABTS and the ionic step of the oxidation of TEMPO was also studied using CV. A higher potential difference was observed between laccase and the substrate, and correlated with higher enzyme activity. For the laccase-mediator systems, there was no clear correlation of potential difference between laccase and mediators with enzyme activity towards 2,6-DMP. This observation suggests that there are other limiting parameters for enzyme activity despite Redox potential difference, especially during ionic steps of the mechanism.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase: Bioelectrochemical insights and applications

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is a flavocytochrome with a history of bioelectrochemical research dating back to 1992. During the years, it has been shown to be capable of mediated electron transfer (MET) and direct electron transfer (DET) to a variety of electrodes. This versatility of CDH originates from the separation of the catalytic flavodehydrogenase domain and the electron transferring cytochrome domain. This uncoupling of the catalytic reaction from the electron transfer process allows the application of CDH on many different electrode materials and surfaces, where it shows robust DET. Recent X-ray diffraction and small angle scattering studies provided insights into the structure of CDH and its domain mobility, which can change between a closed-state and an open-state conformation. This structural information verifies the electron transfer mechanism of CDH that was initially established by bioelectrochemical methods. A combination of DET and MET experiments has been used to investigate the catalytic mechanism and the electron transfer process of CDH and to deduce a protein structure comprising of mobile domains. Even more, electrochemical methods have been used to study the redox potentials of the FAD and the haem b cofactors of CDH or the electron transfer rates. These electrochemical experiments, their results and the application of the characterised CDHs in biosensors, biofuel cells and biosupercapacitors are combined with biochemical and structural data to provide a thorough overview on CDH as versatile bioelectrocatalyst.

Importance of Hydrogen Bonding in Fine Tuning the [2Fe-2S] Cluster Redox Potential of HydC from Thermotoga maritima

Iron-sulfur clusters form one of the largest and most diverse classes of enzyme cofactors in nature. They may serve as structural factors, form electron transfer chains between active sites and external redox partners, or form components of enzyme active sites. Their specific role is a consequence of the cluster type and the surrounding protein environment. The relative effects of these factors are not completely understood, and it is not yet possible to predict the properties of iron-sulfur clusters based on amino acid sequences or rationally tune their properties to generate proteins with new desirable functions. Here, we generate mutations in a [2Fe-2S] cluster protein, the TmHydC subunit of the trimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase from Thermotoga maritima, to study the factors that affect its redox potential. Saturation mutagenesis of Val131 was used to tune the redox potential over a 135 mV range and revealed that cluster redox potential and electronic properties correlate with amino acid hydrophobicity and the ability to form hydrogen bonds to the cluster. Proline scanning mutagenesis between pairs of ligating cysteines was used to remove backbone amide hydrogen bonds to the cluster and decrease the redox potential by up to 132 mV, without large structural changes in most cases. However, substitution of Gly83 with proline caused a change of HydC to a [4Fe-4S] cluster protein with a redox potential of -526 mV. Together, these results confirm the importance of hydrogen bonding in tuning cluster redox potentials and demonstrate the versatility of iron-sulfur cluster protein folds at binding different types of clusters.

Spectroscopic Observation of Calcium-Induced Reorientation of Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Immobilized on Electrodes and its Effect on Electrocatalytic Activity

Cellobiose dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of various carbohydrates and is considered as a possible anode catalyst in biofuel cells. It has been shown that the catalytic performance of this enzyme immobilized on electrodes can be increased by presence of calcium ions. To get insight into the Ca(2+) -induced changes in the immobilized enzyme we employ surface-enhanced vibrational (SERR and SEIRA) spectroscopy together with electrochemistry. Upon addition of Ca(2+) ions electrochemical measurements show a shift of the catalytic turnover signal to more negative potentials while SERR measurements reveal an offset between the potential of heme reduction and catalytic current. Comparing SERR and SEIRA data we propose that binding of Ca(2+) to the heme induces protein reorientation in a way that the electron transfer pathway of the catalytic FAD center to the electrode can bypass the heme cofactor, resulting in catalytic activity at more negative potentials.

Investigation of the pH-dependent electron transfer mechanism of ascomycetous class II cellobiose dehydrogenases on electrodes

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is capable of direct electron transfer (DET) on various carbon and thiol-modified gold electrodes. As a result, these systems have been utilized as biocatalyst in biosensors and biofuel cell anodes. Class I CDHs, from basidiomycetous fungi, are highly specific to cellulose or lactose, and DET is only observed at pH values below 5.5. To extend the applicability of CDH-based electrodes, the catalytic properties and the behavior on electrode surfaces of ascomycetous class II CDHs from Chaetomium attrobrunneum, Corynascus thermophilus, Dichomera saubinetii, Hypoxylon haematostroma, Neurospora crassa, and Stachybotrys bisbyi were investigated. We found that class II CDHs have diverse properties but generally show a lower substrate specificity than class I CDHs by converting also glucose and maltose. Intramolecular electron transfer (IET) and DET at neutral and alkaline pH were observed and elucidated by steady-state kinetics, pre-steady-state kinetics, and electrochemical measurements. The CDHs ability to interact with the electron acceptor cytochrome c and to communicate with electrode surfaces through DET at various pH conditions was used to classify the investigated enzymes. In combination with stopped-flow measurements, a model for the kinetics of the pH-dependent IET is developed. The efficient glucose turnover at neutral/alkaline pH makes some of these new CDHs potential candidates for glucose biosensors and biofuel cell anodes.

In Vitro Evolution of a Fungal Laccase in High Concentrations of Organic Cosolvents

Fungal laccases are remarkable green catalysts that have a broad substrate specificity and many potential applications in bioremediation, lignocellulose processing, organic synthesis, and more. However, most of these transformations must be carried out at high concentrations of organic cosolvents in which laccases undergo unfolding, thereby losing their activity. We have tailored a thermostable laccase that tolerates high concentrations of cosolvents, the genetic product of five rounds of directed evolution expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This evolved laccase--R2 variant--was capable of resisting a wide array of cosolvents at concentrations as high as 50% (v/v). Intrinsic laccase features such as the redox potential and the geometry of catalytic copper varied slightly during the course of the molecular evolution. Some mutations at the protein surface stabilized the laccase by allowing additional electrostatic and hydrogen bonding to occur.

Characterization of two new multiforms of Trametes pubescens laccase

Electrochemical properties of two multiforms of laccase from Trametes pubescens basidiomycete (LAC1 and LAC2) have been studied. The standard redox potentials of the T1 sites of the enzymes were found to be 746 and 738 mV vs. NHE for LAC1 and LAC2, respectively. Bioelectroreduction of oxygen based on direct electron transfer between each of the two forms of Trametes pubescens laccase and spectrographic graphite electrodes has been demonstrated and studied. It is concluded that the T1 site of laccase is the first electron acceptor, both in solution (homogeneous case) and when the enzymes are adsorbed on the surface of the graphite electrode (heterogeneous case). Thus, the previously proposed mechanism of oxygen bioelectroreduction by adsorbed fungal laccase was additionally confirmed using two forms of the enzyme. Moreover, the assumed need for extracellular laccase to communicate directly and electronically with a solid matrix (lignin) in the course of lignin degradation is discussed. In summary, the possible roles of multiforms of the enzyme based on their electrochemical, biochemical, spectral, and kinetic properties have been suggested to consist in broadening of the substrate specificity of the enzyme, in turn yielding the possibility to dynamically regulate the process of lignin degradation according to the real-time survival needs of the organism.

Redox potentials of the blue copper sites of bilirubin oxidases

The redox potentials of the multicopper redox enzyme bilirubin oxidase (BOD) from two organisms were determined by mediated and direct spectroelectrochemistry. The potential of the T1 site of BOD from the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria was close to 670 mV, whereas that from Trachyderma tsunodae was >650 mV vs. NHE. For the first time, direct electron transfer was observed between gold electrodes and BODs. The redox potentials of the T2 sites of both BODs were near 390 mV vs. NHE, consistent with previous finding for laccase and suggesting that the redox potentials of the T2 copper sites of most blue multicopper oxidases are similar, about 400 mV.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase formation by filamentous fungus Chaetomium sp. INBI 2-26(−)

Laccase-negative filamentous fungus INBI 2-26(-) isolated from non-sporulating laccase-forming fungal association INBI 2-26 by means of protoplast technique was identified as Chaetomium sp. based on partial sequence of its rRNA genes. In the presence of natural cellulose sources, the strain secreted neutral cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) activity both in pure culture and in co-culture with laccase-positive filamentous fungus INBI 2-26(+) isolated from the same association. INBI 2-26(-) also secreted CDH during submerged cultivation in minimal medium with glucose as the sole carbon source. Maximal CDH activity of 1IU/ml at pH 6 with 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) as an acceptor was obtained on 12th day of submerged cultivation with filter paper as major cellulose source. Cellulase system of Chaetomium sp. INBI 2-26(-) capable of adsorption onto H(3)PO(4)-swollen filter paper consisted of four major proteins (Mr 200, 95, 65 and 55K) based on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and was capable of DCPIP reduction without exogenous cellobiose.

Direct electrochemistry of heme multicofactor-containing enzymes on alkanethiol-modified gold electrodes

Direct electrochemistry of heme multicofactor-containing enzymes, e.g., microbial theophylline oxidase (ThOx) and D-fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) from Gluconobacter industrius was studied on alkanethiol-modified gold electrodes and was compared with that of some previously studied complex heme enzymes, specifically, cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and sulphite oxidase (SOx). The formal redox potentials for enzymes in direct electronic communication varied for ThOx from -112 to -101 mV (vs. Ag|AgCl), at pH 7.0, and for FDH from -158 to -89 mV, at pH 5.0 and pH 4.0, respectively, on differently charged alkanethiol layers. Direct and mediated by cytochrome c electrochemistry of FDH correlated with the existence of two active centres in the protein structure, i.e., the heme and the pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) prosthetic groups. The effect of the alkanethiols of different polarity and charge on the surface properties of the gold electrodes necessary for adsorption and orientation of ThOx, FDH, CDH and SOx, favourable for the efficient electrode-enzyme electron transfer reaction, is discussed.

Electrochemical redox transformations of T1 and T2 copper sites in native Trametes hirsuta laccase at gold electrode

Mediatorless, electrochemically driven, redox transformations of T1 (type 1) and T2 copper sites in Trametes hirsuta laccase were studied by cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical redox titrations using bare gold electrode. DET (direct electron transfer) between the electrode and the enzyme was observed under anaerobic conditions. From analysis of experimental data it is concluded that the T2 copper site is in DET contact with gold. It was found that electron transfer between the gold surface and the T1 copper site progresses through the T2 copper site. From EPR measurements and electrochemical data it is proposed that the redox potential of the T2 site for high-potential 'blue' laccase is equal to about 400 mV versus NHE (normal hydrogen electrode) at pH 6.5. The hypothesis that the redox potentials of the T2 copper sites in low- and high-potential laccases/oxidases from totally different sources might be very similar, i.e. approx. 400 mV, is discussed.

Direct electron transfer between copper-containing proteins and electrodes

The electrochemistry of some copper-containing proteins and enzymes, viz. azurin, galactose oxidase, tyrosinase (catechol oxidase), and the "blue" multicopper oxidases (ascorbate oxidase, bilirubin oxidase, ceruloplasmin, laccase) is reviewed and discussed in conjunction with their basic biochemical and structural characteristics. It is shown that long-range electron transfer between these enzymes and electrodes can be established, and the mechanistic schemes of the DET processes are proposed.

Direct heterogeneous electron transfer of theophylline oxidase

Direct electron transfer (DET) was shown between the heme containing enzyme theophylline oxidase (ThO) and the surface of both graphite and gold electrodes. As proof on graphite a steady state current for theophylline was recorded using the electrode modified with adsorbed ThO. The electrode showed a Michaelis-Menten-like response to theophylline with a detection limit of 0.2 mM and a Michaelis-Menten constant equal to 3.2 mM. These initial results open up a possibility for the development of reagentless third generation biosensor based on heterogeneous DET between ThO and an electrode. On gold DET between ThO and the surface of aldrithiol modified gold was studied with spectroelectrochemical measurements. DET was observed for soluble ThO as a change of its spectrum in a gold capillary responding to a change in the applied potential. It was shown that the redox conversion of the heme domain of the enzyme is directly (mediatorlessly) driven by the potential applied at the gold electrode. The measurements enabled an estimation of the formal potential (E degrees ') of the redox process equal to -275 +/- 50 mV versus Ag|AgClsat at pH 7.0. The experimentally determined number of the electrons involved in this heterogeneous electron transfer process was estimated to be equal to 0.53. The low precision in determination of the E degrees ' and the value of the number of electrons lower than one indicate that kinetic restrictions disturbed the evaluation of the true thermodynamic values from relatively fast spectroelectrochemical measurements.

Mediated spectroelectrochemical titration of proteins for redox potential measurements by a separator-less one-compartment bulk electrolysis method

One-compartment bulk electrolysis and simultaneous spectroscopic measurements are realized in a conventional spectroscopic cuvette without separator by using a mesh-type working electrode with extremely large surface area and a wire-type counter electrode with very small surface area. Spectrophotometric monitoring revealed complete electrolysis in a first-order kinetics. This technique was applied to mediated titration of cytochrome c and bilirubin oxidase for determining their redox potentials. Kinetics for the solution redox reaction between protein and mediator is described. The subtraction of spectral background due to mediator adsorption is very easy because of high reproducibility. The experiments can be done under completely anaerobic conditions. Low-absorbance protein samples (of low concentrations or small absorption coefficients) and hydrophobic proteins (such as membrane-bound proteins) are acceptable for measurements.

Spectroelectrochemical study of heme- and molybdopterin cofactor-containing chicken liver sulphite oxidase

Electron transfer (ET) in sulphite oxidase (SOx), a heme- and molybdopterin cofactor-containing enzyme, was studied spectroelectrochemically using capillary gold electrode modified with aldrithiol. Direct electron exchange between SOx and the surface of modified gold was observed, with a formal potential of -115 mV vs. Agmid R:AgCl, KCl(sat) at pH 7.0. This value agreed well with that previously reported for redox transformation of the heme domain of SOx. However, no bioelectrocatalysis of sulphite oxidation was observed in phosphate buffer solutions. This fact evidently correlated with known inhibition of intramolecular ET in SOx by the presence of bivalent inorganic anions. After changing to a Tris buffer solution, spectra variations and cyclic voltammetry data designated direct ET-based bioelectrocatalysis of sulphite oxidation, upon addition of sulphite. Thus, the bioelectrocatalytic 2e(-) oxidation of sulphite catalysed by SOx due to direct ET exchange with the electrode was attained at aldrithiol-modified gold electrodes and shown to depend essentially on the nature of the buffer solution.

Direct electron transfer of heme- and molybdopterin cofactor-containing chicken liver sulfite oxidase on alkanethiol-modified gold electrodes

Direct heterogeneous electron transfer (ET) of sulfite oxidase (SOx), a heme- and molybdopterin cofactor-containing intermembrane enzyme, was studied on alkanethiol-modified Au electrodes both with SOx entrapped between the modified Au electrode and a permselective membrane and with SOx adsorbed at the electrode surface, in the absence of any membrane. SOx in direct electronic communication with the electrode surface gave a quasi-reversible electrochemical signal with a midpoint potential of--120 mV vs Ag/AgCl corresponding to the redox transformations of the heme domain of SOx and with a heterogeneous ET constant in the order of 15 s(-1). The efficiency of the bioelectrocatalytic 2e- oxidation of sulfite catalyzed by SOx in direct ET exchange with the electrode was shown to depend essentially on the nature of the alkanethiol layer. Adsorption and orientation of SOx on an 11-mercapto-1-undecanol (MuD-OH) self-assembled monolayer, i.e., terminally functionalized with OH groups, provided efficient catalytic oxidation of sulfite, contrary to nonfunctionalized alkanethiols, e.g., 1-decanethiol, or alkanethiol layers terminally functionalized with NH2 groups. Comparative studies with short-chain alkanethiols, e.g., cysteamine and 2-mercaptoethanol, revealed an evidently different mode of adsorption of SOx on these layers, onto which SOx was not catalytically active. Coadsorption of MuD-OH and 11-mercapto-1-undecanamine improved the surface properties of the SAM, resulting in a higher surface coverage with bioelectrocatalytically active SOx but not in an increased apparent catalytic rate constant, kcat, ranging in the order of 18-24 s(-1) at pH 7.4. The achieved efficiency of SOx bioelectrocatalysis in direct ET reaction between the modified electrode and the enzyme approached the rates characteristic for the catalysis mediated by cytochrome c, the natural redox partner of SOx, thus implying the retention of the biological function of SOx under the heterogeneous electrode reaction conditions. Results obtained enable the development of a third-generation biosensor for sulfite monitoring.

Spectroelectrochemistry of cytochrome P450cam

The spectroelectrochemistry of camphor-bound cytochrome P450cam (P450cam) using gold electrodes is described. The electrodes were modified with either 4,4(')-dithiodipyridin or sodium dithionite. Electrolysis of P450cam was carried out when the enzyme was in solution, while at the same time UV-visible absorption spectra were recorded. Reversible oxidation and reduction could be observed with both 4,4(')-dithiodipyridin and dithionite modified electrodes. A formal potential (E(0')) of -373mV vs Ag/AgCl 1M KCl was determined. The spectra of P450cam complexed with either carbon monoxide or metyrapone, both being inhibitors of P450 catalysis, clearly indicated that the protein retained its native state in the electrochemical cell during electrolysis.