Progress on Electrochemical Determination of Superoxide Anion

Superoxide anion (O2·−) is the primary species of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting from the metabolism of O2 in the living organisms. Its dynamic changes can provide broad implications in physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, the analytical methods that can determine O2·− real-time and in vivo are receiving more and more attention. In light of these requirements, electrochemical approaches are the most promising candidate techniques in analysis of O2·− due to their simplicity, direct measurements, and ease of miniaturation. This review summarizes the recent progress on electrochemical analysis of O2·− taking into consideration toward the key issues: design of the electrolyte/electrode interface, direct electron transfer of enzymes, and applications in live cells and animals.

Superoxide anion (O2·−) generated by xanthine and xanthine oxidase in the presence of O2 reduces Cyt. c which is immediately re-oxidized at the optimized potential, resulting in the increase of reductive current. The increase of reductive current is directly proportional to the rate of O2·− production.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide