Electrocatalytic Currents from Single Enzyme Molecules

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Mar 2;138(8):2504-7. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b13149. Epub 2016 Feb 19.

Abstract

Single molecule enzymology provides an opportunity to examine details of enzyme mechanisms that are not distinguishable in biomolecule ensemble studies. Here we report, for the first time, detection of the current produced in an electrocatalytic reaction by a single redox enzyme molecule when it collides with an ultramicroelectrode. The catalytic process provides amplification of the current from electron-transfer events at the catalyst leading to a measurable current. This new methodology monitors turnover of a single enzyme molecule. The methodology might complement existing single molecule techniques, giving further insights into enzymatic mechanisms and filling the gap between fundamental understanding of biocatalytic processes and their potential for bioenergy production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Electrochemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Laccase / chemistry*
  • Laccase / metabolism*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Polyporales / enzymology
  • Protein Conformation
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Laccase