Voltammetric detection of phytochelatin transported across unmodified and protoplast modified model phospholipid membranes

Abstract

Possibility of phytochelatin PC2 transport was examined using developed electrochemical cell with two compartments separated by a phospholipid membrane created in pores of polycarbonate support. At first cell penetrating peptides (transportan 10 and mastoparan X) were used to allow the transfer of phytochelatin PC2. The results demonstrated that transportan 10 is several times more efficient than mastoparan X for transferring of phytochelatin across model membrane. Voltammetry with hanging mercury drop electrode or with solid amalgam electrodes was applied for detection of transported species. For determination of PC2, hanging mercury drop electrode and mercury meniscus-modified silver solid amalgam electrode were suitable. Modified model phospholipid membrane was prepared with parts of protoplasts from barley roots or leaves, and transport of phytochelatin PC2 has been confirmed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was utilized to monitor formation, stability, and qualitatively the transporting process across the supported phospholipid membranes.