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

[Cu-Y((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)/K-M) was found to be 0.32 min(-1).mu M-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 Editor: In 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. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.