Thioredoxin Reductase-Mediated Reaction Evokes In Situ Surface Polarization Effect on BiOIO₃: Toward a New Sensing Strategy for Cathodic Photoelectrochemistry

Abstract

We have witnessed the fast progress of cathodic photoelectrochemistry over the past decades, though its signal transduction tactic still lacks diversity. Exploring new sensing strategies for cathodic photoelectrochemistry is extremely demanding yet hugely challenging. This article puts forward a unique idea to incorporate an enzymatic reaction-invoked surface polarization effect (SPE) on the surface of BiOIO 3 to implement an innovative cathodic photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis. Specifically, the thioredoxin reductase (TrxR)-mediated reaction produced the polar glutathione (GSH), which spontaneously coordinated to the surface of BiOIO 3 and induced SPE by forming a polarized electric field, resulting in improved electron (e − ) and hole (h + ) pair separation efficiency and an enhanced photocurrent output. Correlating this phenomenon with the detection of TrxR exhibited a high performance in terms of sensitivity and selectivity, achieving a linear range of 0.007−0.5 μM and a low detection limit of 2.0 nM (S/N = 3). This study brings refreshing inspiration for the cathodic PEC signal transduction tactic through enzyme-mediated in situ reaction to introduce SPE, which enriches the diversity of available signaling molecules. Moreover, this study unveils the potential of in situ generated SPE for extended and futuristic applications.

Recent Advances in Photoelectrochemical Sensing for Food Safety

“…PEC sensing is an emerging and promising technique that combines PEC processes with sensing reactions. The PEC sensing system typically consists of a light source (such as a xenon lamp and monochromator), a detection system (PEC cell and electrochemical workstation) and a signal acquisition system (computer system). − In PEC bioanalytical process, the sensing process undergoes a series of complex physical and chemical processes, primarily divided into two parts: (I) the conversion of light energy to electrical signals, involving processes such as light absorption, separation and migration of photogenerated carrier (electron–hole pairs), and interfacial redox reaction; (II) the recognition reaction, where the analyte induces specific changes in the physicochemical properties of the photoactive material or electrolyte environment, leading to alterations in the signal output and enabling quantitative detection of the target . As a result, this approach provides a novel and versatile method for detecting a wide range of targets.…”

Weak Force-Polarization-Driven Excellent Piezo-PEC Water Splitting by Coupling Dual-Active Piezoelectric Semiconductor with Defect Engineering in BiVO4/Bi2MoO6 Heterojunction

“…Nonetheless, the wide band gap confines the catalyst’s photoresponse to the ultraviolet segment of the solar spectrum, impeding the practical implementation of PEC technology. In pursuit of exceptional photoelectrodes, four categories of photocatalysts have emerged, encompassing metal-containing semiconductors, metal-free semiconductors, plasma metals, and insulators. − Over recent decades, extensive research has focused on the photoelectrocatalysis applications of bismuth-based semiconductor materials like Bi 2 O 3 , , BiOIO 3 , , and Bi 2 WO 6 . , Notably, BVO with its narrow band gap (2.4–2.5 eV) and deep valence band edge, alongside BMO with a suitable band gap (2.5–2.8 eV), exhibits the capability of PEC water oxidation under visible light, making them promising materials for PEC water splitting. − The unique aurivillius structure of BMO, composed of alternating layers of [MoO 2 ] 2+ and [Bi 2 O 2 ] 2+ , enables piezoelectric applications. Similarly, the effective carrier transport pathway provided by the chemically bonded layer stack structure of monoclinic scheelite BiVO 4 (BVO, s-m) is noteworthy.…”