logo
AAT Bioquest

What are the applications of oxidoreductases?

Posted January 16, 2024


Answer

There are various applications of oxidoreductases. Oxidoreductases can be utilized for creating polymers and diverse organic compounds. For instance, peroxidases can efficiently trigger the coupling of phenols to form phenolic polymers using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. This is challenging to achieve with conventional chemical catalysts. Moreover, enzymes like laccase and peroxidase aid in producing cross-linked polymers, including materials like biopolymer hydrogels and artificial urushi. Oxidoreductases are also involved in medical applications. Oxidoreductases are used in producing various products utilized as detoxifiers, antimicrobial agents, or active ingredients in personal care. For instance, laccase-based methods can produce iodine, a widely used disinfectant, offering advantages over direct iodine application for sterilization. Peroxidase is utilized to create cross-links in collagen, contributing to the beneficial healing process of damaged skin. Additionally, a system comprising glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, and iodide has been examined for dental care purposes. The glucose oxidase generates hydrogen peroxide, which then activates the peroxidase. The peroxidase utilizes this hydrogen peroxide to produce iodine, effectively eliminating bacteria responsible for plaque formation. Oxidoreductases can also be used as biosensors. In the earliest glucose biosensor using glucose dehydrogenase, the enzyme was integrated into a gel formed of polylysine-albumin, while the support material consisted of a mixture of chemically modified carbon powder, a binding agent, and fumed silica. Another application is in the creation of a system for coenzyme regeneration. Researchers engineered a highly efficient mutant phosphite dehydrogenase sourced from Pseudomonas stutzeri. Additionally, water-soluble NAD(P)H oxidases offer a favorable method for regenerating NAD(P)+ as they solely rely on oxygen as a cosubstrate and generate water as the sole byproduct.

Additional resources

Applications of oxidoreductases

Enzymes

Amplite® Fluorimetric Coenzyme A Quantitation Kit *Green Fluorescence*