Synthesis, structure and artificial protease activities of two cerium (III) complexes

Two novel cerium (III) complexes, complex 1, [Ce(phen)2(SCN)4](PhenH) and complex 2, [Ce(phen)2(NO3)(SCN)2(CH3OH)] were synthesized and structurally characterized using conventional methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Spectroscopic studies on the binding of Hen Egg White Lysozyme (HEWL) protein with complexes 1 and 2 suggest that the value of binding constants Kb for complex 1 and 2 are 5.6×105 M−1 and 9.6×105 M−1 respectively. Both the complexes were tested for protease activity with HEWL. The assessment of it by gel electrophoresis studies confirms the protease activity of both complexes.