SOME EXAMPLES OF THE APPLICATION OF ELECT RON-TRANSFER BETWEEN ELECTRON CONDUCTORS AND BIOMOLECULES

Electron transfers are encountered in various biological processes suc h as photosynthesis, respiration, metabolisms, enzymatic redox reactio ns. Electron transfers between metal or carbon and biomolecules, reali zed either directly either by means of various surface modifications h ave applications in fine chemistry, bioanalysis, medicine, environment , bioprocess regulations and energy conversion. Some examples of appli cations of the mastery of these heterogeneous electron transfers are p resented. The first deals with the proposal of biosensors with amperom etric detection and describes some developments opened by the use of v arious methods of activation. The second one is concerned with the dev elopment of bioelectrochemical processes specially for the methemoglob in reduction and the pyridinic coenzymes regeneration. Biomimetics and use of a non conventional chemical engineering enable the definition and the construction of new apparatus for the production of high value molecules. The third example deals with the discussion of electron tr ansfer inside peroxidases proposed to be the catalyst in various proce sses of bioelectrochemical treatments of wastes.