Electron transfer of heme proteins on the ITO electrode in polymer solvents

Abstract

AbstractThe redox reaction of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐modified hemoglobin (PEO–Hb) was analyzed in PEO oligomers with cyclic voltammetry. The PEO–Hb was made soluble in PEO with molecular weight of 200 (PEO200) containing 0.5 M KCI. Quasi‐reversible redox signals of PEO–Hb were obtained by using an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass working electrode. PEO–Hb, cast on the ITO electrode, also showed the redox response in PEO with molecular weight of 400 (PEO400). The peak current of PEO–Hb on the ITO electrode gradually increased during potential cycling. The effect of the scan rate on the quantity of electricity (Q) was analyzed after the peak current reached a constant value. The constant Q value was observed at the scan rate ranging from 30 to 500 mV/sec. The number of reactive PEO–Hb molecules was estimated from this constant Q‐value. It was suggested that the electron transfer was carried out at the first layer of the PEO–Hb which was in direct contact with the ITO electrode. The quantity of electricity of PEO–Hb increased when the ITO electrode was first washed in an aqueous medium with ultrasonicator. This strongly suggested that the more effective surface area of the ITO electrode turned to be covered with PEO–Hb when the microporous region of the ITO particles was more hydrated.