Electrochemical detection of BSA damage induced by Fenton reagents in room temperature ionic liquid

Electrochemical analysis of Fenton-mediated oxidative damage to protein was successfully investigated using a hydrophilic room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, as a medium. RTIL served as a nonaqueous solvent for monitoring bovine serum albumin (BSA) damage induced by hydroxyl radical. The oxidation signal of poly-o-phenylenediamine was used as a probe for the sensitive detection of BSA damage based on the attenuation of film conductivity after damage. More dramatic damage in IL compared with that in an aqueous solvent media confirmed that IL was suitable medium for the electrochemical detection of BSA damage. Dependence of damage degree on H2O2 concentration, the ratio of Fe2+ and H2O2 and the incubation time was obtained. Protection of BSA from damage by antioxidants was also investigated. The results showed that antioxidants could quench free radicals and combine with biomacromolecules in order to protect them. These conclusions proved that RTIL could be a promising application in the study of damage.