Tandem catalysis using an enzyme and a polymeric ruthenium-based artificial metalloenzyme

A Ru-containing single chain nanoparticle (SCNP) was prepared in three steps using radical polymerization of pentafluorophenylacrylate, post-polymerization functionalization with three different alkylamines, and coordination of Ru. The polymer was characterized by H-1 NMR, F-19 NMR, UV-vis, and DLS. The catalytic activity of the Ru-SCNP for Ru-catalyzed cleavage of allylcarbamates was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy and a higher percent conversion and initial rate of reaction was observed when compared to that of the free catalyst in buffer and cell media. The catalytic SCNP was also shown to perform tandem catalysis with beta-galactosidase.