Phenylketonuria is a rare genetic disorder that results in the lack of, or malfunction, of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme, which is used to convert the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine. This disorder results in neurological and developmental complications due to toxic phenylalanine build up in blood and tissue as well as tyrosine deficiency, an amino acid integral to the synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters, and melanin. Phenylalanine hydroxylase's activity is dependent upon an iron atom within its active site which undergoes an oxidation cycle to transfer hydroxyl radicals to a phenylalanine substrate producing tyrosine. Single atom catalysts have emerged as exciting electrocatalysts over the last decade due to their optimized efficiency of iron incorporation which minimizes catalyst cost while improving catalytic activity. Single atom catalysts have recently translated into biomedical applications for the generation of reactive oxygen species to control cellular life and death cycles. This study aims to utilize iron-based single atom catalysts for the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine as an enzymatic mimic for phenylalanine hydroxylase. This study would provide proof of concept for iron single atom catalysts as direct enzyme replacements rapidly expanding their practical application in a variety of fields include biomolecule detection, cancer therapy, and wound healing.

Iron single atom catalyst as phenylalanine hydroxylase mimic

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.