Electroenzymatic synthesis using flavin-containing enzymes

Studies have been directed at problems in the coupling of flavin-containing enzymes to electrochemistry for synthetic applications. A membrane-enclosed reactor has been developed which utilizes a low molecular weight diffusible mediator to shuttle electrons between the electrode and the enzyme-bound flavin cofactor. This reactor minimizes undesired nonenzymatic reactions between mediator and substrate. Methods have been developed for the covalent attachment of viologen derivatives to an enzyme to further mediate electron transfer between the diffusible mediator and the active site flavin. Studies have also been initiated to use flavin analogs having more negative reduction potentials to facilitate the use of flavin-containing oxidases in the reverse (reduction) direction.