Molecular biosensor based on a coordinated iron complex.

A sensor model based on the porphyrin nucleus of the soluble guanylate cyclase enzyme is modeled and tested with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Molecular oxygen is tested as a possible interferer. Geometries and electronic structures of the model are assessed by density functional theory. Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), infrared, and Raman spectra are obtained for the iron complexes uncoordinated and coordinated with the gas moieties. The sensor is capable of detecting the ligands to different extents. Carbon monoxide is less detectable than nitric oxide due to the adopted position of the molecule in the sensor; carbon oxide is aligned with the iron atom, while nitric oxide and molecular oxygens bend with an angle detectable by the VCD. It is suggested that pollutants may be detected and measured with the proposed biosensors.