Phosphate Ester Hydrolysis: Metal Complexes As Purple Acid Phosphatase and Phosphotriesterase Analogues

This microreview describes the structures and properties of a number of bimetallic complexes designed as both structural and functional mimics of the active sites of some specific metallohydrolase enzymes. The metalloenzymes in question include the predominantly monoesterase-activity-displaying purple acid phosphatase (PAP) and di- and triesterase enzymes, which have significant roles in the bioremedial hydrolysis of organophosphate pesticides and nerve gases. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)