Sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of carbon monoxide in saline at a Pt-Ru/Nafion/MnO2-modified electrode

Electrochemical Detection of Gasotransmitters: Status and Roadmap

Gasotransmitters, including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), are a class of gaseous, endogenous signaling molecules that interact with one another in the regulation of critical cardiovascular, immune, and neurological processes. The development of analytical sensing mechanisms for gasotransmitters, especially multianalyte mechanisms, holds vast importance and constitutes a growing area of study. This review provides an overview of electrochemical sensing mechanisms with an emphasis on opportunities in multianalyte sensing. Electrochemical methods demonstrate good sensitivity, adequate selectivity, and the most well-developed potential for the multianalyte detection of gasotransmitters. Future research will likely address challenges with sensor stability and biocompatibility (i.e., sensor lifetime and cytotoxicity), sensor miniaturization, and multianalyte detection in biological settings.

Amperometric Sensing of Carbon Monoxide: Improved Sensitivity and Selectivity via Nanostructure-Controlled Electrodeposition of Gold

A series of gold (Au) nanostructures, having different morphologies, were fabricated for amperometric selective detection of carbon monoxide (CO), a biologically important signaling molecule. Au layers were electrodeposited from a precursor solution of 7 mM HAuCl4 with a constant deposition charge (0.04 C) at various deposition potentials. The obtained Au nanostructures became rougher and spikier as the deposition potential lowered from 0.45 V to 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). As prepared Au layers showed different hydrophobicity: The sharper morphology, the greater hydrophobicity. The Au deposit formed at 0.05 V had the sharpest shape and the greatest surface hydrophobicity. The sensitivity of an Au deposit for amperometric CO sensing was enhanced as the Au surface exhibits higher hydrophobicity. In fact, CO selectivity over common electroactive biological interferents (L-ascorbic acid, 4-acetamidophenol, 4-aminobutyric acid and nitrite) was improved eminently once the Au deposit became more hydrophobic. The most hydrophobic Au was also confirmed to sense CO exclusively without responding to nitric oxide, another similar gas signaling molecule, in contrast to a hydrophobic platinum (Pt) counterpart. This study presents a feasible strategy to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity for amperometric CO sensing via the fine control of Au electrode nanostructures.

Gasotransmitters in pregnancy: from conception to uterine involution

Gasotransmitters are endogenous small gaseous messengers exemplified by nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S or sulfide). Gasotransmitters are implicated in myriad physiologic functions including many aspects of reproduction. Our objective was to comprehensively review basic mechanisms and functions of gasotransmitters during pregnancy from conception to uterine involution and highlight future research opportunities. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases using combinations of keywords nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfide, placenta, uterus, labor, and pregnancy. We included English language publications on human and animal studies from any date through August 2018 and retained basic and translational articles with relevant original findings. All gasotransmitters activate cGMP signaling. NO and sulfide also covalently modify target protein cysteines. Protein kinases and ion channels transduce gasotransmitter signals, and co-expressed gasotransmitters can be synergistic or antagonistic depending on cell type. Gasotransmitters influence tubal transit, placentation, cervical remodeling, and myometrial contractility. NO, CO, and sulfide dilate resistance vessels, suppress inflammation, and relax myometrium to promote uterine quiescence and normal placentation. Cervical remodeling and rupture of fetal membranes coincide with enhanced oxidation and altered gasotransmitter metabolism. Mechanisms mediating cellular and organismal changes in pregnancy due to gasotransmitters are largely unknown. Altered gasotransmitter signaling has been reported for preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labor. However, in most cases specific molecular changes are not yet characterized. Nonclassical signaling pathways and the crosstalk among gasotransmitters are emerging investigation topics.