Chemistry
Research reveals the elusive formation of singlet oxygen, a potentially harmful agent found in both biological cells and battery systems, after nearly six decades of investigation.
Highly reactive oxygen can form in mitochondria within our cells
KATERYNA KON/SPL/Alamy
After years of intensive research, scientists have commenced to unlock the enigma surrounding the formation of singlet oxygen, an unusual and damaging variant of oxygen that appears during chemical reactions in both living organisms and specific battery types.
Oxygen is not a uniform substance; its molecular structure can vary significantly. In certain molecules, the two highly active electrons exhibit opposing quantum spins, while in others, their spins align. When these spins align, the molecule converts to “singlet oxygen,” which is inherently reactive. This reactivity can lead to detrimental alterations in cell proteins and lipids and facilitate corrosion in particular battery systems. For nearly 60 years, chemists have dedicated their efforts to pinpoint the exact conditions under which this potentially harmful form of oxygen emerges during chemical reactions. A recent study led by Stefan Freunberger from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria has made significant advancements in understanding this phenomenon.
The innovative research entails a series of experiments using superoxide—a compound vital for the chemical processes in cellular mitochondria—and investigates the resulting oxygen forms. The researchers employed various intermediary molecules and analyzed reactions induced by a range of energy disparities that drive the chemical reactions. Their findings indicate that the intensity of this driving force is critical; only at significantly elevated levels does singlet oxygen have the potential to form.
Freunberger notes, “A fierce debate existed regarding the emergence of singlet oxygen in cellular environments. Until now, it remained unresolved.” Significantly, the team’s results suggest that owing to the high pH levels in mitochondria, which lower the driving force for reaction, singlet oxygen is produced in minimal quantities within these cellular organelles, thereby safeguarding cells from oxidative damage.
Kristopher McNeill from ETH Zürich highlights the broader implications of these findings beyond biological systems. “Wherever singlet oxygen arises, it has the capacity to cause damage and react with its surroundings,” he remarks. This analysis might shed light on specific battery corrosion mechanisms, providing explanations for occasional internal degradation.
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