Improvement of Peptidyl Copper Complexes Mimicking Catalase: A Subtle Balance between Thermodynamic Stability and Resistance towards HO Degradation.

Catalase mimics are low molecular weight metal complexes that reproduce the activity of catalase, an antioxidant metalloprotein that participates in the cellular regulation of HO concentration by catalyzing its dismutation. HO is a reactive oxygen species that is vital for the normal functioning of cells. However, its overproduction contributes to oxidative stress, which damages cells.