Electrochemical Reduction of Horse Heart Ferricytochrome C at Chemically Derivatized Electrodes

Abstract

Platinum or gold electrodes derivatized with an N,N′-dialkyl-4,4′-bipyridinium reagent can be used to reduce horse heart ferricytochrome c, whereas reduction does not occur at the "naked" electrodes. From 3 to 17.7 millimoles per liter, the reduction of ferricytochrome c is mass transport-limited at electrode potentials more negative than about -0.6 volt against a saturated calomel reference electrode. Data for the photoreduction of ferricytochrome c at derivatized p-type silicon photocathodes show directly that the rate of reduction is mass transport-limited. Use of derivatized electrodes may allow convenient manipulation and analysis of biological molecules that do not ordinarily respond at conventional electrodes.

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