Stanislav A. Trashin

Label-Free Detection of DNA Hybridization at a Liquid|Liquid Interface

A novel electrochemical approach for label-free detection of DNA primary sequence has been proposed. The flow of nonelectroactive ions across a liquid|liquid interface was used as an electrochemical probe for detection of DNA hybridization. Disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes shielded with a thin layer of inert polymer plasticized with water-immiscible polar organic solvent were modified by probe oligonucleotide and used as a DNA sensor. The specific DNA coupling has been detected with impedance spectroscopy by decrease of ion-transfer resistance. The detection limit was of 10-8 M of target oligonucleotide. The reported sensor was suitable for discrimination of a single mismatch oligonucleotide from the full complementary one. The reported DNA sensor was advantageous over known physicochemical approaches, providing the most significant changes in the measured parameters.

Improvement of direct bioelectrocatalysis by cellobiose dehydrogenase on screen printed graphite electrodes using polyaniline modification

Modification of graphite based screen printed electrodes (SPEs) by electrosynthesised polyaniline (PANI) has been applied to improve the electron exchange between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH, EC 1.1.99.18) from the ascomycete Myriococcum thermophilum and the surface of the SPE. The redox intermediate layer of the conducting polymer promotes the bioelectrocatalysis providing a higher current for lactose oxidation at a lower potential compared to CDH immobilised on a plain SPE. The current of the SPE|PANI|CDH electrode was more than 5 times higher as compared to that of a SPE|CDH electrode at a potential of 0 mV vs. Ag|AgCl. When comparing the response obtained through direct electron transfer with that obtained through mediated electron transfer, it was clearly observed that the improved current of the SPE|PANI|CDH electrode is due to the specific role of PANI, rather than caused by a rise of enzyme loading. The operational stability of the enzyme electrode based on PANI modified SPE was 5 times higher compared with that based on plain SPE.

Electrochemical photodegradation study of semiconductor pigments: influence of environmental parameters.

Chemical transformations in paintings often induce discolorations, disturbing the appearance of the image. For an appropriate conservation of such valuable and irreplaceable heritage objects, it is important to have a good know-how on the degradation processes of the (historical) materials: which pigments have been discolored, what are the responsible processes, and which (environmental) conditions have the highest impact on the pigment degradation and should be mitigated. Pigment degradation is already widely studied, either by analyzing historical samples or by accelerated weathering experiments on dummies. However, in historic samples several processes may have taken place, increasing the complexity of the current state, while aging experiments are time-consuming due to the often extended aging period. An alternative method is proposed for a fast monitoring of degradation processes of semiconductor pigments, using an electrochemical setup mimicking the real environment and allowing the identification of harmful environmental parameters for each pigment. Examples are given for the pigments cadmium yellow (CdS) and vermilion (α-HgS).

A redox signalling globin is essential for reproduction in Caenorhabditis elegans

Moderate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are now recognized as redox signalling molecules. However, thus far, only mitochondria and NADPH oxidases have been identified as cellular sources of ROS in signalling. Here we identify a globin (GLB-12) that produces superoxide, a type of ROS, which serves as an essential signal for reproduction in C. elegans. We find that GLB-12 has an important role in the regulation of multiple aspects in germline development, including germ cell apoptosis. We further describe how GLB-12 displays specific molecular, biochemical and structural properties that allow this globin to act as a superoxide generator. In addition, both an intra- and extracellular superoxide dismutase act as key partners of GLB-12 to create a transmembrane redox signal. Our results show that a globin can function as a driving factor in redox signalling, and how this signal is regulated at the subcellular level by multiple control layers.

A highly stable double-coordinated 2-hydroxy-tri(tert-butyl)-substituted zinc phthalocyanine dimer: synthesis, spectral study, thermal stability and electrochemical properties

A highly stable J-type dimer based on 2-hydroxy-tri(tert-butyl)-substituted zinc phthalocyanine with specific supramolecular architecture was investigated by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and by cyclic voltammetry to show strong π–π interactions and coordination between hydroxy-groups and Zn2+ central metal ions. The possibility of controlling the fluorescent properties of the obtained complex by using different solvents is demonstrated, which, along with the high thermal stability according to the thermoanalytical study, may increase practical applicability of supramolecular dimeric phthalocyanine compounds.

Development of a highly sensitive and robust Cor a 9 specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of hazelnut traces

Allergy to tree nuts represents an acute health problem. Sensitized people can be inadvertently exposed to hidden allergens resulting from cross-contamination of foods. For this reason, reliable and highly sensitive analytical methods are needed to be developed for control and labeling of food ingredients and products. In the present paper we have proposed a new allergen specific sandwich-ELISA for hazelnut operated in optical and electrochemical modes. The ELISA was based on chicken egg yolk antibodies raised against a major hazelnut allergen, Cor a 9. The developed ELISA has a limit of detection in phosphate buffer of 4 ng mL(-1). No significant cross-reactivity with peanut, wheat or other food ingredients has been detected. Extracts of blank control cookies did not show any false positive response and the limit of detection in cookies was estimated to be 0.1 μg of hazelnut protein per g of food (0.1 ppm). The ELISA protocol was successfully adapted to operate in electrochemical mode and it was applied for the detection of hazelnut traces in cookies.

Bis(tetrabenzotriazaporphyrinato) and (tetrabenzotriazaporphyrinato)(phthalocyaninato) lutetium(III) complexes – novel sandwich-type tetrapyrrolic ligand based NIR absorbing electrochromes

The first sandwich-type complexes have been prepared for tetrabenzotriazaporphyrin ligands. The compounds reveal intrinsic UV-Vis/NIR absorption as well as peculiar electrochromic behavior. The heteroleptic (tetrabenzotriazaporphyrinato)(phthalocyaninato) lutetium derivative shows intermediate spectral and electrochemical properties with respect to homoleptic relatives.

Electrochemical Evidence for Neuroglobin Activity on NO at Physiological Concentrations.

The true function of neuroglobin (Ngb) and, particularly, human Ngb (NGB) has been under debate since its discovery 15 years ago. It has been expected to play a role in oxygen binding/supply, but a variety of other functions have been put forward, including NO dioxygenase activity. However, in vitro studies that could unravel these potential roles have been hampered by the lack of an Ngb-specific reductase. In this work, we used electrochemical measurements to investigate the role of an intermittent internal disulfide bridge in determining NO oxidation kinetics at physiological NO concentrations. The use of a polarized electrode to efficiently interconvert the ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) forms of an immobilized NGB showed that the disulfide bridge both defines the kinetics of NO dioxygenase activity and regulates appearance of the free ferrous deoxy-NGB, which is the redox active form of the protein in contrast to oxy-NGB. Our studies further identified a role for the distal histidine, interacting with the hexacoordinated iron atom of the heme, in oxidation kinetics. These findings may be relevant in vivo, for example, in blocking apoptosis by reduction of ferric cytochrome c, and gentle tuning of NO concentration in the tissues.

Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical behavior of planar binuclear naphthalocyanines

The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical behavior of two planar binuclear naphthalocyanines containing benzene and naphthalene π-conjugated bridges was investigated for the first time. Their intense absorption in the near infrared region was observed even in a low polar solvent such as o-dichlorobenzene after electrochemical reduction at a potential of -0.4 V vs. SCE, which was not enough to reduce the complexes into their first reduction state. These data and EPR studies allow us to conclude that the electrochemically generated form is the true neutral form of the synthesized compounds whereas the suppression of the near-infrared bands is a result of the presence of their cation radicals as one-electron oxidized forms.

Purification and characterization of azurin from the methylamine-utilizing obligate methylotroph Methylobacillus flagellatus KT

Methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH) and azurin were purified from the periplasmic fraction of the methylamine-grown obligate methylotroph Methylobacillus flagellatus KT. The molecular mass of the purified azurin was 16.3 kDa, as measured by SDS-PAGE, or 13 920 Da as determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Azurin of M. flagellatus KT contained 1 copper atom per molecule and had an absorption maximum at 620 nm in the oxidized state. The redox potential of azurin measured at pH 7.0 by square-wave voltammetry was +275 mV versus normal hydrogen electrode. MADH reduced azurin in the presence of methylamine, indicating that this cupredoxin is likely to be the physiological electron acceptor for MADH in the electron transport chain of the methylotroph. A scheme of electron transport functioning in M. flagellatus KТ during methylamine oxidation is proposed.