Electrochemically produced local pH changes stimulating (bio)molecule release from pH-switchable...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Avidin-biotin interactions are crucial in biological systems and biochemical assays.
• Controlled release of molecules is essential for various applications, including drug delivery and biosensing.
• Electrochemical methods offer precise control over chemical reactions at electrode surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the electrochemical release of biotinylated molecules using pH-sensitive avidin complexes.
• To investigate the use of electrochemical oxygen reduction and ascorbate oxidation for pH modulation.
• To establish a system for triggered molecular release via electrical potentials.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of avidin-biotin complexes on electrode surfaces.
• Electrochemical reactions (O2 reduction and ascorbate oxidation) to induce local pH changes.
• Monitoring the dissociation of biotinylated molecules from avidin.

Main Results:

• Successfully released biotinylated molecules by generating local pH changes near electrodes.
• Nitro-avidin-biotin complex dissociation achieved via electrochemical O2 reduction (alkaline pH).
• Avidin-iminobiotin complex dissociation achieved via ascorbate oxidation (acidic pH).
• Release triggered by low electrical potentials (-0.4 V or 0.2 V).

Conclusions:

• Electrochemical pH modulation provides a viable strategy for controlled release of biotinylated molecules.
• This approach enables precise, electrically triggered cargo release from modified electrodes.
• The developed systems show potential for applications in biosensing and targeted delivery.