BIOELECTROCATALYSIS - PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

The paper summarizes the results of research into the electrochemical behavior of proteins and enzymes as well as their components (amino ac ids and peptides). A scheme of interaction between amino acids and ele ctrode surfaces was suggested which comprises a binding through reacti ve lateral substituents and the amino group which depends on solution pH. The factors were revealed which govern the extent of protein adsor ption on carbon materials. Data concerning redox reactions and bioelec trocatalysis were presented which refer to conditions under which dire ct electron exchange occurs between the electrode, the enzyme's active site, and the substrate. Concepts were developed for the bioelectroca talytic mechanism of oxygen reduction in the system consisting of oxyg en and of laccase immobilized on a carbon material. Possible future pr ogress in bioelectrocatalysis was discussed.