Magneto-controlled enzyme reactions

Abstract

Various approaches to magneto-controlled biocatalytic enzyme reactions are discussed with specific example systems. Magnetic nano- and micro-size particles functionalized with enzymes or cofactors/electron transfer mediators have been used to translocate the components of the biocatalytic processes and to activate/inhibit their reactions. Magneto-induced deposition of the functionalized particles on an electrode surface resulted in activation of bioelectrocatalytic reactions. On the other hand, magneto-induced removal of the particles from the electrode surface resulted in the inhibition of the electrochemical reactions. Aggregation/disaggregation of enzyme-modified magnetic nanoparticles resulted in different mechanisms of biocatalytic cascades, changing them reversibly between substrate diffusion and substrate channeling processes. Magnetohydrodynamic activation of bioelectrocatalytic processes allowed enhancement of a biofuel cell operation. Overall, a large variety of possible magneto-controlled enzyme reactions is briefly discussed, particularly emphasizing their applications in different bioelectronic systems.

Keywords: Biocatalytic reaction; Bioelectrocatalysis; Electrode; Enzyme; Magnetic particles; Magneto-controlled reactions; Magneto-switchable processes; Magnetohydrodynamic effect; Substrate channeling; Substrate diffusion.