Mechanism of the catalysis by Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 hydrogenase of direct electrochemical reduction of NAD+

The mechanism of direct electrochemical reduction of NAD(+) into NADH catalysed by Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 hydrogenase was analysed in thin layer electrochemical cells with platinum and carbon electrodes. Two phases can be distinguished in the catalytic reaction occurring on platinum electrodes. In the potential range from approximately - 0.620 to - 0.675 V (SCE) direct electron transfer occurred via the diaphorase-like dimer of the hydrogenase. Below - 0.69 V versus SCE the hydrogenase used hydrogen species adsorbed onto the platinum electrode, but no molecular hydrogen was required for this second catalytic phase. The mechanism was quite similar to those which had been previously determined for Rhodococcus opacus hydrogenase. This confirmed the very great similarity of the two enzymes, even if the maximum NAD(+) reduction rate of 0.36 mM min(-1) obtained here remains lower than those reached with R. opacus hydrogenase in a previous study. Careful analysis of the experimental data obtained on a carbon electrode led to the conclusion that no direct electron transfer was observed on this material under the operating conditions used. On the other hand, the voltammetric experiments performed on a carbon electrode in a thin layer cell showed clearly the occurrence of a catalytic current due to the hydrogenase-catalysed reduction of NAD(+) by molecular hydrogen. This may be a useful tool for further analysis of the hydrogenase kinetics. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.