Synthetic Mimics of Serine Proteases via Covalent Imprinting of Photo‐Protected Template Molecules for Aryl Amide Hydrolysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The rational design of enzyme-mimicking catalysts remains in its early stages. Beyond the controversies surrounding the origin of the catalytic efficiency found in enzyme catalysis, a large challenge lies in the synthetic construction of multifunctional active sites with precisely positioned binding and catalytic groups. Here, we present a rational strategy to create serine protease-mimicking molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MINPs) via covalent imprinting within cross-linkable micelles, followed by photo-deprotection of the polymerized template molecules. Unlike previously reported protease mimics that work on activated ester substrates, the MINP-based catalysts are able to hydrolyze aryl amides under mild conditions. In addition, substrate selectivity can be finely tuned through the modular design of the template molecules.
Source: Chemistry - A European Journal
Authors: Rasmita Barik, Yan Zhao
Institution: Iowa State University
Language: English
Subfield: Analytical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,640
OpenAlex ID: W4416675815