Bioinorganic Platforms for Sensing, Biomimicry, and Energy Catalysis

Abstract

Bioinorganic chemistry is a broad field with multiple branches. In this Highlight Review, the newest excitements in the branch of Bioinorganic Platforms are reviewed. Artificial bioinorganic platforms come in mesmerizing flavors, in particular the following 5 types are the major focus of this Highlight Review. First, single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, RNA, PNA, and their hybrids can be attached to Au electrodes for in vitro biosensing purposes as well as real-time monitoring of DNA repair processes via magnetoelectrochemistry. Second, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms can be grown into interdigitated array (IDA) electrodes to investigate electron transport mechanisms in vivo. Third, protein films can be formed on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes to examine the effect of electrostatics on the redox behavior of metalloenzymes. Fourth, lipid-covered hybrid bilayer membrane (HBM) systems can be constructed to control the thermodynamics and kinetics of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) steps important to renewable energy schemes. Fifth, metal complexes can be physisorbed onto highly porous carbon powder as facile oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts.