Cu(III)-polypeptide complexes exhibiting SOD-like activity

The SOD-like activity of Cu(III)-complexes with polypeptides poly-L-lysine and poly-L-glutamic acid respectively was investigated. The Cu(II)-polypeptide complexes were first oxidized by K2IrCl6 to give the corresponding Cu(III)-compounds. The oxidation of Cu(II) and the corresponding Cu(II)/Cu(III) potential was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (c.v.), UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopic (r.t.) experiments. Spin trapping EPR spectra were also conducted to confirm the formation of the superoxide radical. The SOD-like activity of each Cu(III)-complex was proved using the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) method slightly modified.