Selenium is an essential trace element, primarily found in the amino acids selenomethionine and selenocysteine. Proteins containing selenocysteine in their active site play an integral role in key physiological processes. Several fundamental questions remain, however, regarding the unique redox chemistry afforded by selenocysteine in the cellular environment. Using surface and solution electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, the selenocysteine / selenocystine redox couple has been examined under physiological conditions. Reactivity of the diselenide affords stable modification of gold substrates, which in turn allows for voltammetric study of solution-based chalcogen species that would otherwise be impeded by surface chemistry. The potential use of selenium-modified electrodes in biosensing applications will be discussed.<br/>

Electrochemical characterization of selenocystine reactivity at modified gold surfaces

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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