Star-Like Polypeptides as Simplified Analogues of Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) Metalloenzymes

Abstract

Peroxidases, like horseradish peroxidase (HRP), are heme metalloenzymes that are powerful biocatalysts for various oxidation reactions. By using simple grafting-from approach, ring-opening polymerization (ROP), and manganese porphyrins, star-shaped polypeptides analogues of HRP capable of catalyzing oxidation reactions with H₂O₂ is successfully prepared. Like their protein model, these simplified analogues show interesting Michaelis–Menten constant (K_M) in the mM range for the oxidant. Interestingly, the polymer structures are more resistant to denaturation (heat, proteolysis and oxidant concentration) than HRP, opening up interesting prospects for their use in catalysis or in biosensing devices.