Improvement of Peptidyl Copper Complexes Mimicking Catalase: A Subtle Balance between Thermodynamic Stability and Resistance towards H2O2 Degradation

• Published in: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2022-08, Vol.27 (17), p.5476
• Main Authors: Ben Hadj Hammouda, Yaqine, Coulibaly, Koudedja, Bathily, Alimatou, Teoh Sook Han, Magdalene, Policar, Clotilde, Delsuc, Nicolas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Binding sites; Biocompatibility; Catalase; catalase mimic; Catalysis; Catalysts; Catalytic activity; Chemical Sciences; Coordination chemistry; Copper; Copper compounds; di-copper(II) complexes; H2O2 dismutation; Hydrogen peroxide; Ligands; Low molecular weights; metal binding peptide; Metal complexes; Molecular weight; Nanoparticles; Oxidative stress; Peptides; Reactive oxygen species; Stability; Thermodynamics
• ISSN: 1420-3049; 1420-3049
• DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175476

Catalase mimics are low molecular weight metal complexes that reproduce the activity of catalase, an antioxidant metalloprotein that participates in the cellular regulation of H2O2 concentration by catalyzing its dismutation. H2O2 is a reactive oxygen species that is vital for the normal functioning of cells. However, its overproduction contributes to oxidative stress, which damages cells. Owing to their biocompatibility, peptidyl complexes are an attractive option for clinical applications to regulate H2O2 by enzyme mimics. We report here the synthesis and characterization of four new peptidyl di-copper complexes bearing two coordinating sequences. Characterization of the complexes showed that, depending on the linker used between the two coordinating sequences, their catalytic activity for H2O2 dismutation, their thermodynamic stability and their resistance to H2O2 degradation are very different, with (CATm2)Cu2 being the most promising catalyst.