Work

Gold Nanocluster-Promoted Interfacial Electron Transfer of Cytochrome c at an Aqueous–Organic Interface

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Functional enzyme-gold nanoparticle bioconjugates are becoming increasingly important in bioelectrocatalysis since they facilitate and improve the efficiency of long-range protein interfacial electron transfer between enzymes and electrodes by enhancing conductivity. While much research has focused on solid-liquid interfaces, there is still limited understanding of the key parameters and electrochemical conditions necessary for reliable and reproducible bioelectrochemistry at polarizable aqueous-organic interfaces under native conditions. Herein, we demonstrate how the size of gold-modified nanoparticles influences the interfacial electron transfer of cytochrome c at an aqueous-organic interface. We found that nanoclusters centered in a size of 1.2 nm, equivalent to the water-trifluorotoluene mixed solvent layer (ca. 1.5 nm), work in tandem with cytochrome c to facilitate oxygen reduction reactions. In contrast, bioconjugates comprising larger gold nanoparticles are less effective in enhancing cytochrome c electrochemistry, with the gold nanoparticles acting as independent catalysts at the interface.

Source: Nano Letters

DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c05030

Authors: Jose M. Abad, Marcos Pita, Antonio L. De Lacey, Alonso Gamero-Quijano

Institution: Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica

Language: English

Topic: Electrochemical sensors and biosensors

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500