Cytochrome P450 is a class of hemeproteins found in nearly all known life. This enzyme is critical to detoxification and bioactivation of most known pharmaceuticals. Its use in industry could lead to the ability to manufacture powerful new drug derivatives. Moreover, P450 has the potential to create a safer, more economic method for the testing of new drugs. Current laboratory uses of the enzyme are inefficient and require the use of an expensive mediator molecule called NAD(P)H. NAD(P)H serves as a source of electrons to reduce P450 so that it may function, but cost prohibits its use in many research laboratories. In contrast, cobaltocenium molecules that have the potential to act in place of NAD(P)H can be synthesized cheaply and in large quantities. This research project investigates the synthesis and use of an asymmetric, bifunctional cobaltocenium molecule to serve as an electron relay between an electrode and the enzyme, thus eliminating the need for NAD(P)H. We will employ a variety of spectroscopic techniques, such as <sup>1</sup>H-NMR and mass spectroscopy, as well as electrochemical methods to characterize the molecule. Once confirmed, we will begin testing its redox characteristics, as well as its potential as a mediator in P450 biocatalysis.

Asymmetric cobaltocenium derivatives for mediated electrochemical biocatalysis

256th National Meeting (2018)

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