[Bioelectrochemical oxidation of formate]

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Electrochemistry
• Enzyme engineering

Context:

• Investigating the electrochemical oxidation of formate, a key organic substrate.
• Utilizing a two-enzyme system involving NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase and NADH-dehydrogenase.
• Employing a coal electrode modified with the enzyme system.

Purpose:

• To study the electrochemical oxidation of formate using a specific two-enzyme system.
• To determine the efficiency and parameters of formate oxidation under electrochemical conditions.
• To assess the potential of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases in electrochemical applications.

Summary:

• Formate oxidation was achieved using NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase and NADH-dehydrogenase on a coal electrode.
• The process operates in a diffusion-limited regime, achieving a current density of 12 mA/cm² at potentials above +0.2 V and 600 rpm.
• Methylviologen was used as an electron mediator for NADH oxidation.

Impact:

• Demonstrates the feasibility of using NAD-dependent dehydrogenases for the electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds.
• Highlights the potential for developing novel biocatalytic electrochemical systems.
• Provides insights into enzyme immobilization and electrochemical reaction engineering.