Insights on the (Auto)Photocatalysis of Ferritin.
Traditionally, ferritin has been considered a photocatalyst capable of photo-oxidizing organic molecules and transferring electrons to external electron acceptors when irradiated by UV-visible light. We have designed new approaches to resolve the uncertainties regarding its photocatalytical mechanism. Experiments with an Fe(II) chelator, an electrochromic indicator, and recombinant ferritin proteins indicate that the excited electrons at the conduction band of the ferritin core do not cross the protein shell. Instead, irradiation causes the electrons to reduce the ferrihydrite core to produce Fe(II) ions. These Fe(II) ions exit the protein shell to reduce electron acceptors. In the absence of electron acceptors or chelators, Fe(II) re-enters ferritin.
Departamento de Química Inorgánica and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada , 18071 Granada, Spain.
Natalie
N
Saenz
Departamento de Química Inorgánica and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada , 18071 Granada, Spain.
Manu
M
Sánchez
Departamento de Química Inorgánica and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada , 18071 Granada, Spain.
Natividad
N
Gálvez
Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Fernando
F
Carmona
Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia , Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Paolo
P
Arosio
Departamento de Química Inorgánica and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada , 18071 Granada, Spain.
Jose M
JM
Dominguez-Vera
D002384:Catalysis; D005293:Ferritins / Q000737:chemistry*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
D005293:Ferritins