Oxygen detection in biological systems

Abstract

This article presents a brief description of analytical tools for monitoring evolution and consumption of molecular dioxygen in biological organisms. Based on its nature as a gas and its physical and chemical properties of the ground state ³Σ(g)O₂; different approaches have been developed for quantitative determinations: (i) manometry, (ii) formation of titratable sediments, (iii) solid state electrodes, (iv) EPR oximetry, (v) luminescence quenching, (vi) biological sensoring, (vii) mass spectrometry and (viii) amperometry. Among these methods mass spectrometry and amperometry are of special relevance for studies on the mechanisms of photosynthetic dioxygen evolution. Mass spectrometry is described in the article of Beckman et al. in this special issue. Therefore, the major part of this contribution focuses on amperometric methods that are currently widely used. Two different types of electrodes are described: (i) Clark-type electrode and (ii) Joliot-type electrode. The complementary advantages of both systems are outlined. A more detailed description comprises the potential of the Joliot-type electrode for mechanistic studies on the reactivity of the different redox states of the water oxidizing complex (WOC).

Studying the oxidation of water to molecular oxygen in photosynthetic and artificial systems by time-resolved membrane-inlet mass spectrometry

“…Therefore, data concerning catalytic rates and turnover numbers (stability) of newly synthetized O 2 -evolving catalysts are highly important for their further development. In this regard, in addition to traditionally used amperometric methods for O 2 detection (Renger and Hanssum, 2009), TR-MIMS can be applied as a highly sensitive method for studying the O 2 -evolving capability of these complexes. However, a major advantage and uniqueness of the TR-MIMS technique in this field is that, in combination with 18 O-labeling experiments, it can be employed for studying the pathways of O 2 formation in reactions catalyzed by the ‘potential’ solar water-oxidation catalysts (Poulsen et al, 2005; Beckmann et al, 2008; Sala et al, 2010; Shevela et al, 2011b; Najafpour et al, 2012; Vigara et al, 2012).…”

Oxygen evolution from single- and multiple-turnover light pulses: temporal kinetics of electron transport through PSII in sunflower leaves

“…Amperometric technique is currently by far the most frequently used approach for studies of oxygen evolution from sample suspensions (rev Renger and Hanssum 2009). In this study, we used the solid state Zr oxide electrode, used before in a few cases (Björkman and Gauhl 1970; Greenbaum and Mauzerall 1976).…”

“…Renger and Hanssum 2009). In order to obtain the maximally fast (ms) response, a thin layer of cells was placed directly on the bare platinum electrode (Joliot 1967), but this sacrificed the absolute calibration of the response (Renger and Hanssum 2009).…”

“…Renger and Hanssum 2009). In order to obtain the maximally fast (ms) response, a thin layer of cells was placed directly on the bare platinum electrode (Joliot 1967), but this sacrificed the absolute calibration of the response (Renger and Hanssum 2009). With a diffusion barrier introduced on the air-liquid interface, the Clark electrode has been also widely used for the measurement of O 2 evolution from leaves (Walker 1987).…”

Vibronic structures in the visible luminescence of silica nanoparticles

“…Offering large accessibility to atomic and molecular species of the ambient atmosphere, the microscopic structure of these sites at the surface is also influenced by the environment [7]. Molecular oxygen, O 2 , plays a crucial role since it is active in several reactions and it can diffuse through the nanostructured silica [8,9]. Previous studies have demonstrated the formation of oxygen related defects by controlled thermochemical reactions.…”