Fundamentals of bioelectrocatalytic reactions for biosensors and biofuel cells

Abstract

Redox enzymes can work as efficient electrocatalysts. The coupling of specific and powerful redox enzymatic reactions with non-specific electrode reactions is called enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis. The basic features required for bioelectrocatalysis are introduced from the viewpoints of low specificity of one of the substrates and the hydride ion/electron transfer characteristics. Several theoretical features are detailed for steady-state bioelectrocatalytic current vs. electrode potential curves in mediated (MET)- and direct-electron transfer (DET)-type bioelectrocatalysis. The selection of mediators for MET-type reactions and the significance of the enzyme orientation and meso/micropores in DET-type reaction kinetics are emphasized.