Novel pH sensing redox wire based on a polyamide homopolymer of L-tryptophan

The redox profile obtained from an electrochemically oxidised polyamide homopolymer containing L-tryptophan is shown to serve as a versatile molecular wire for monitoring pH. The transformation of the polypeptide is examined and the optimisation of the electrode-redox wire interface was conducted in order to enhance the electrochemical signature. Voltammetric interrogation of the modified polymer reveals the creation of quinoid functionality...