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Electrochemical Modulation of Carbon Monoxide-Mediated Cell Signaling
Jimin Park1,2, Joy S Zeng3, Atharva Sahasrabudhe2,4
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|July 15, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed an electrochemical method for on-demand carbon monoxide (CO) release from carbon dioxide (CO2). This controlled CO delivery system precisely targets cellular signaling pathways, advancing research in CO-mediated physiological processes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a crucial signaling molecule in physiology and pathology.
- Existing CO delivery methods lack control and can cause off-target effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrochemical approach for controlled, on-demand CO release.
- To investigate the impact of CO release kinetics on neuronal signaling.
- To enable spatially-restricted CO delivery for targeted cellular activation.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical reduction of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) to generate CO using cobalt phthalocyanine catalysts.
- Modulation of CO release kinetics by adjusting applied voltage.
- Integration of the electrochemical platform into microscale fibers for localized CO production.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated on-demand CO generation via electrocatalysis.
- Showcased modulation of CO release rates by electrical stimulation.
- Achieved spatially-restricted CO delivery to activate targeted signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrochemical platform offers precise control over CO release for physiological studies.
- This method overcomes limitations of traditional CO delivery systems.
- Enables new avenues for investigating CO-dependent biological processes.
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