Superoxide Generation from Potassium Superoxide
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive chemicals, containing oxygen, which can react easily with other molecules. Superoxide, a ROS, can be generated in aqueous solution in many ways, most commonly by using the enzyme Xanthine Oxidase to reduce oxygen to superoxide. However, superoxide attacks Xanthine Oxidase and eventually decreases the production of superoxide and generates hydrogen peroxide instead. The reason for its popularity is the half life of superoxide generated in this manner is about two hours. Potassium superoxide in alkaline solutions, such as potassium hydroxide, has been demonstrated to be a reliable source of superoxide. We have found that with our method, superoxide is maintained at least for forty-eight hours, surpassing the commonly used method employing Xanthine Oxidase. The superoxide produced could be used to provide superoxide on demand as a reactant or stimulant to biological systems or for standardization.
School:
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Department:
Chemistry
Research Advisor:
Alexander Scheeline
Department of Research Advisor:
Chemistry
Year of Publication:
2007