Behaviour of beta(2)-microglobulin in the electrical double layer of the mercury vertical bar solution interface

beta(2)-Microglobulin (beta(2)-m) is a small globular protein (12000 Da) which exists as a monomer in numerous body fluids. Data published on the electrochemical behaviour of beta(2)-m are scarce. In this paper an attempt was made to get more information on the structure of the double layer at mercury/solution interface in the presence of beta(2)-m. Using phase selective ac polarography the capacitive current-potential (C-E) curve was analysed as the function of various beta(2)-m concentration, pH of medium, temperature, denaturation agent concentration etc. The data obtained are discussed particularly from the aspect of folding/unfolding state of the protein studied.