Copper complex of a pyridine-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer as a chemical nuclease: synthetic and catalytic study

[CuY((G:2-6)-dendri-PAMAM-(Py)n)]2Y+ complexes (3) were prepared, and their ability to generate oxygen radical anions was investigated. The maximum catalytic efficiency (k′cat/KM) was found to be 0.32 min–1·μM–1, and a positive dendritic effect was observed. The saturated kinetics revealed that the improved catalytic efficiency resulted from an enhanced binding affinity toward molecular oxygen.From the Clinical EditorIn this basic science study, the oxygen radical anion generating ability of specific copper complex of a pyridine-modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimer was investigated and reported in details.

Graphical AbstractA series of dendrimer copper complexes, [CuY((G:2-6)-dendri-PAMAM-(Py)x)]2Y+, were prepared and were found to reduce oxygen molecules in the presence of a reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT). The reaction rate of the generation of oxygen anion radical (O2–) was followed by the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) method, and the catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) was evaluated by pseudo first-order kinetic approach. Remarkably, the results indicate a positive dendritic effect. Moreover, the saturated kinetic study reveals that the improvement of catalytic efficiency results from the enhancement of binding affinity with oxygen (KM) but not the catalytic rate (kcat).Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (127 K)Download as PowerPoint slide