Resin-supported catalytic dendrimers as multivalent artificial metallonucleases

Tentagel resin was functionalized with dendrons containing 4 and 8 triazacyclononane ligands able to complex the Zn-II metal ion. The supported dendritic metallo-complexes showed enzyme-like behaviour in the cleavage of HPNPP, a model substrate for RNA. The obtained Michaelis-Menten parameters were in excellent agreement with those obtained for the identical catalysts in solution. Diffusion studies have revealed the upper limit for the rate constants that can be assessed under these conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.