CHAPTER 4: Peroxynitrite-Sensitive Electrochemically Active Matrices

The ability to monitor peroxynitrite anion (ONOO⁻) production in biological environments could aid in further understanding the role that ONOO⁻ plays in the pathology of diseases. The detection of peroxynitrite is currently achieved using optical and electrochemical detection schemes. Oxidation of fluorescent or chemiluminescent probes by ONOO⁻ changes their optical behavior and is used as an indirect means for the detection of the presence of ONOO⁻. Electrochemical detection schemes are often based on the use of electrocatalytic matrices for peroxynitrite. In this chapter, the state of the art of ONOO⁻ specific matrices for electrochemical sensing will be presented. Sensitivity and selectivity issues of the different structures will be discussed and compared. The chapter will close with some future developments in materials science and nanotechnology to make ONOO⁻ sensing more feasible.