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Certaines métalloenzymes catalysent l’oxydation de petites molécules organiques, dans des conditions douces (par activation du dioxygène à température et pression ambiante). Ce travail a pour but d’améliorer l’utilisation et l’efficacité catalytique des complexes de fer mimant cette activité.D’abord, par fonctionnalisation du ligand, un des complexes les plus efficaces pour catalyser l’oxydation de substrats aromatiques par H2O2, a pu être greffé dans des mésopores de silice. Ce matériau est utilisé comme support de catalyseur, en raison de sa grande surface spécifique et de sa chimie de surface versatile. Par ailleurs, la méthode de synthèse permet de structurer la taille des cavités formées, à l’aide d’un surfactant utilisé comme modèle. Le contrôle du nombre de sites catalytiques sur la surface est rendu possible par la procédure qui exploite le concept du pochoir moléculaire. Le confinement du catalyseur dans les pores pourrait être mis à profit pour former des produits à haute valeur ajoutée. En parallèle, ce complexe a aussi été greffé sur des billes de silices, un matériau moins élaboré pouvant être utilisé pour la dégradation de polluants. L’élaboration de ce type de catalyseurs supportés a nécessité de nombreuses caractérisations : analyses élémentaires, spectroscopies RMN, IR, XPS, UV-vis, RPE, isotherme d’adsorption d’azote, ATG, DRX sur poudre. Différentes méthodes de greffage ont été ainsi développées, et leur efficacité a été comparée. L’activité en catalyse d’oxydation de ces différents systèmes a aussi été évaluée.Concernant le développement des catalyseurs homogènes, le renforcement des positions  des pyridines du ligand a permis l’obtention de nouveaux complexes de fer, possédant une meilleure stabilité pour réaliser des réactions catalytiques en milieu homogène et des propriétés structurales, spectroscopiques, chimiques et catalytiques analogues aux complexes de la même famille.Enfin, un autre complexe de fer a été mis en jeu dans un procédé électrochimique utilisant le dioxygène en présence de protons pour catalyser l’hydroxylation de substrats aromatiques. / Some metalloenzymes catalyze oxidation of small organic molecules in mild conditions (via dioxygen activation at ambient temperature and pressure). This work aims to improve the use and catalytic efficiency of some of the iron complexes mimicking this activity.First, by ligand functionalization, one of the most efficient complexes catalyzing aromatic substrates oxidation by H2O2, was grafted in mesostructured porous silicas. This type of materials was used to support the iron catalyst, because of their large specific area, as well as their versatile surface chemistry. Furthermore, the method of synthesis allows to tune the size of cavities, through the use of surfactant as templates. Control of the number of catalytic sites on surface is made possible by the procedure that exploits the molecular stencil patterning technique. The confinement of catalyst in the pores could be implemented to form products with high added value. In parallel, this complex was also grafted in fumed silicate, a simpler material, that could be used to degradation of polluants. The development of this type of supported catalyst required many caracterisations : elemental analysis, NMR, IR, XPS, UV-vis and EPR spectroscopies, TGA, nitrogen sorption isotherms, powder X-ray diffraction. Different grafting methods have been followed, and their efficacy compared. The catalytic activity of the different systems was also evaluated.Concerning the development of homogenous catalysts, the strengthening of pyridine  positions on the ligand has allowed to obtain new iron complexes, having a better stability to realize catalytic reactions in homogenous condition, and structural, spectroscopic, chemical, catalytic properties similar to the complexes of the same family.Finally, another iron complex has been applied in an electrochemical process using dioxygen in the presence of proton to catalyze hydroxylation of aromatic substrates.

A enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE) tem sido amplamente aplicada no desenvolvimento de biossensores para detecção de pesticidas. No entanto, a aplicação de tais dispositivos é limitada devido à falta de robustez, que está associada com a baixa estabilidade enzimática, além de seu alto custo. Uma alternativa às enzimas é a utilização de moléculas sintéticas que mimetizem o comportamento enzimático, com menor custo e maior estabilidade; tais moléculas são denominadas moléculas biomiméticas. Neste trabalho são apresentados três potenciais catalisadores: o ácido [4-(1E)etanohidrazonoil]benzóico, o iodeto de pralidoxima (2-PAM) e o polímero polihidroxamicalcanoato (PHA); com grupos funcionais alfa nucleófilos hidrazona, oxima e ácido hidroxâmico, respectivamente. Tais moléculas foram avaliadas baseando-se em dois critérios para classificação de biomiméticos da AChE: 1) catálise da hidrólise do substrato acetiltiocolina (ATCh) e 2) interação com pesticida organofosforado. O método espectrofotométrico de Ellman revelou que o polímero PHA foi a molécula mais eficiente, uma vez que a constante de velocidade de segunda ordem obtida foi de 13867 mol-1 L s-1, 5 vezes superior a da 2-PAM e 232 vezes a da hidrazona. Posteriormente, todas as moléculas foram avaliadas por método espectrofotométrico em relação à interação com o organofosforado paraoxon. Apenas o PHA apresentou interação nas condições estudadas. Cálculos teóricos mostraram como ocorre a aproximação entre o PHA e ATCh, e com o paraoxon. Diante dos resultados obtidos, o PHA foi a molécula biomimética escolhida para aplicação no sensor eletroquímico para detecção de organofosforados. Primeiramente, o PHA foi imobilizado na superfície de um eletrodo impresso descartável a partir da formação de uma blenda com o polímero polietileno glicol metil éter, evitando sua solubilização. A oxidação da tiocolina formada a partir da catálise do ATCh realizada pelo PHA imobilizado foi verificada em 0,46 V vs Ag/AgCl, por voltametria de pulso diferencial. A equação obtida a partir da curva de calibração referente ao intervalo de concentração de paraoxon de 1,0 a 10,0 µmol L-1 foi I(%) = [4,8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0,8169]×100 (R2 = 0,99969), com limite de detecção de 3,63x10-7 mol L-1. Amostras de água de abastecimento foram analisadas, com concentrações adicionadas de paraoxon de 3,0; 6,0 e 8,0 µmol L-1, com recuperação de 115%; 106% e 94,5%, respectivamente. Os resultados apresentados mostraram que foi possível desenvolver um sensor eletroquímico biomimético para detecção de pesticida paraoxon. / Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) has been widely applied in biosensor development for pesticide detection. However, the application of those biosensors is limited due to their lack of robustness associated with low enzymatic stability and AChE high cost. An alternative to enzymes, it is the use of synthetic molecules which mimic enzymatic behavior, besides its low cost and superior stability, those are classified as biomimetic molecules. In this work is presented three potential catalysts: [4-(1E)ethanehydrazonoyl]benzoic acid, pralidoxime iodide (2-PAM), and polyhydroxamicalkalnoate polymer (PHA) with alpha nucleophile functional groups, such as hydrazone, oxime, and hydroxamic acid, respectively. The aforementioned molecules were evaluated based on two criteria for classification as AChE biomimetic: 1) catalysis of acetylthiocholine substrate (ATCh) hydrolysis and 2) interaction with organophosphorus pesticide. Spectrophotometrical Ellman´s method revealed that PHA polymer was the most efficient one, since its second order rate constant was 13867 mol-1 L s-1, which was 5 times superior than 2-PAM one and 232 times higher than hydrazone. Then, each molecule was analyzed through spectrophotometric method to verify the interaction with paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide. Only the PHA exhibited such interaction in the studied conditions. Theoretical calculations showed how the approach between PHA and ATCh, and also with paraoxon occurred. Regarding the obtained results, PHA was the chosen biomimetic molecule to be applied in the electrochemical sensor for organophosphorus detection. First of all, PHA was immobilized on the surface of disposable screen printed electrode through blend formation with polyethylene glycol methyl ether (mpEG), avoiding PHA dissolution. The oxidation of thiocholine generated towards ATCh catalysis performed by immobilized PHA was verified at 0.46 V vs Ag/AgCl by differential pulse voltammetry. The linear equation obtained through calibration curve for paraoxon concentration range of 1.0 to 10.0 µmol L-1 was I(%) = [4.8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0.8169]×100 (R2 = 0.99969), with limit of detection of 3.63x10-7 mol L-1. Water supply samples were analyzed considering the added paraoxon concentrations of 3.0; 6.0 e 8.0 µmol L-1, recovering 115%; 106% and 94.5%, respectively. The presented results showed that a biomimetic electrochemical sensor was successfully developed for detection of paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide.

A enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE) tem sido amplamente aplicada no desenvolvimento de biossensores para detecção de pesticidas. No entanto, a aplicação de tais dispositivos é limitada devido à falta de robustez, que está associada com a baixa estabilidade enzimática, além de seu alto custo. Uma alternativa às enzimas é a utilização de moléculas sintéticas que mimetizem o comportamento enzimático, com menor custo e maior estabilidade; tais moléculas são denominadas moléculas biomiméticas. Neste trabalho são apresentados três potenciais catalisadores: o ácido [4-(1E)etanohidrazonoil]benzóico, o iodeto de pralidoxima (2-PAM) e o polímero polihidroxamicalcanoato (PHA); com grupos funcionais alfa nucleófilos hidrazona, oxima e ácido hidroxâmico, respectivamente. Tais moléculas foram avaliadas baseando-se em dois critérios para classificação de biomiméticos da AChE: 1) catálise da hidrólise do substrato acetiltiocolina (ATCh) e 2) interação com pesticida organofosforado. O método espectrofotométrico de Ellman revelou que o polímero PHA foi a molécula mais eficiente, uma vez que a constante de velocidade de segunda ordem obtida foi de 13867 mol-1 L s-1, 5 vezes superior a da 2-PAM e 232 vezes a da hidrazona. Posteriormente, todas as moléculas foram avaliadas por método espectrofotométrico em relação à interação com o organofosforado paraoxon. Apenas o PHA apresentou interação nas condições estudadas. Cálculos teóricos mostraram como ocorre a aproximação entre o PHA e ATCh, e com o paraoxon. Diante dos resultados obtidos, o PHA foi a molécula biomimética escolhida para aplicação no sensor eletroquímico para detecção de organofosforados. Primeiramente, o PHA foi imobilizado na superfície de um eletrodo impresso descartável a partir da formação de uma blenda com o polímero polietileno glicol metil éter, evitando sua solubilização. A oxidação da tiocolina formada a partir da catálise do ATCh realizada pelo PHA imobilizado foi verificada em 0,46 V vs Ag/AgCl, por voltametria de pulso diferencial. A equação obtida a partir da curva de calibração referente ao intervalo de concentração de paraoxon de 1,0 a 10,0 µmol L-1 foi I(%) = [4,8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0,8169]×100 (R2 = 0,99969), com limite de detecção de 3,63x10-7 mol L-1. Amostras de água de abastecimento foram analisadas, com concentrações adicionadas de paraoxon de 3,0; 6,0 e 8,0 µmol L-1, com recuperação de 115%; 106% e 94,5%, respectivamente. Os resultados apresentados mostraram que foi possível desenvolver um sensor eletroquímico biomimético para detecção de pesticida paraoxon. / Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) has been widely applied in biosensor development for pesticide detection. However, the application of those biosensors is limited due to their lack of robustness associated with low enzymatic stability and AChE high cost. An alternative to enzymes, it is the use of synthetic molecules which mimic enzymatic behavior, besides its low cost and superior stability, those are classified as biomimetic molecules. In this work is presented three potential catalysts: [4-(1E)ethanehydrazonoyl]benzoic acid, pralidoxime iodide (2-PAM), and polyhydroxamicalkalnoate polymer (PHA) with alpha nucleophile functional groups, such as hydrazone, oxime, and hydroxamic acid, respectively. The aforementioned molecules were evaluated based on two criteria for classification as AChE biomimetic: 1) catalysis of acetylthiocholine substrate (ATCh) hydrolysis and 2) interaction with organophosphorus pesticide. Spectrophotometrical Ellman´s method revealed that PHA polymer was the most efficient one, since its second order rate constant was 13867 mol-1 L s-1, which was 5 times superior than 2-PAM one and 232 times higher than hydrazone. Then, each molecule was analyzed through spectrophotometric method to verify the interaction with paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide. Only the PHA exhibited such interaction in the studied conditions. Theoretical calculations showed how the approach between PHA and ATCh, and also with paraoxon occurred. Regarding the obtained results, PHA was the chosen biomimetic molecule to be applied in the electrochemical sensor for organophosphorus detection. First of all, PHA was immobilized on the surface of disposable screen printed electrode through blend formation with polyethylene glycol methyl ether (mpEG), avoiding PHA dissolution. The oxidation of thiocholine generated towards ATCh catalysis performed by immobilized PHA was verified at 0.46 V vs Ag/AgCl by differential pulse voltammetry. The linear equation obtained through calibration curve for paraoxon concentration range of 1.0 to 10.0 µmol L-1 was I(%) = [4.8x106 C (mol L-1) + 0.8169]×100 (R2 = 0.99969), with limit of detection of 3.63x10-7 mol L-1. Water supply samples were analyzed considering the added paraoxon concentrations of 3.0; 6.0 e 8.0 µmol L-1, recovering 115%; 106% and 94.5%, respectively. The presented results showed that a biomimetic electrochemical sensor was successfully developed for detection of paraoxon organophosphorus pesticide.

Au cours de ce travail, nous nous sommes intéressés dans une première partie à la synthèse biomimétique d’alcaloïdes de type manzamines et plus particulièrement, aux manadomanzamines. Une étude de la réactivité des deux intermédiaires clés de leur biogenèse, les glutaconaldéhydes et les aminopentadiènals, a été entreprise. Ces mêmes molécules ont ensuite été utilisées comme équivalents synthétiques dans une synthèse biomimétique du squelette pentacyclique de la manadomanzamine A. Une seconde partie est consacrée à la préparation d’analogues stables de la pelletiérine en vue d’une synthèse biomimétique d’alcaloïdes du genre Lycopodium. / This work is dedicated to the biomimetic synthesis of complex polycyclic alkaloids namely the manzamine alkaloids and especially to manadomanzamine. The biogenetic hypotheses postulated for these alkaloids are reported in a first introductory chapter. A few examples of manzamine alkaloids biogenesis are described and compared. The second chapter is focused on the reactivity of reactive units (considered as simplified models of two key biosynthetic intermediates, namely glutaconaldehydes and aminopentadienals) resulting from the ring-opening of pyridinium salts, and their implication in natural products synthesis. Particularly detailed are the investigations conducted on 5-dimethylamino-2-methylpenta-2,4-dienal and the condensation of potassium glutaconaldehyde onto a pyridinium salt. The chemistry of these reactive units has been exploited to design several model studies towards the synthesis of pentacyclic indole nucleus of manadomanzamine A, isolated from an Indonesian sponge Acanthostrongylophora sp.. These biomimetic models, elaborated from a biosynthetic intermediate postulated in our biosynthesis hypothesis have culminated in the synthesis of the central pentacyclic indole nucleus. The last chapter reports the preparation of more or less oxidized analogs of pelletierine, the well known alkaloid isolated from Punica granatum. Compounds such as phenyloxazolopelletierine have been prepared and their reactivity investigated in view of the biomimetic synthesis of Lycopodium alkaloids.

De nos jours, la capacité à synthétiser de nouveaux catalyseurs métallique bioinspirés pour améliorer et élargir le spectre d'activité catalytique est d’une importance capitale pour une chimie respectueuse de notre environnement.Cette thèse se concentre sur la conception de nouveaux complexes de métaux de transition (cuivre et palladium) basés sur deux classes différentes de ligands organiques : les benzotriazolyle-phénolates et les phosphonates. La synthèse et la caractérisation de nouveaux composés a été réalisée par différentes méthodes physico-chimiques (électrochimie, EPR, UV-vis, IR, cristallographie aux rayons X) et la chimie théorique. La génération et la caractérisation des différentes espèces réduites et oxydées nous ont aidés dans la détermination des mécanismes possible. Les composés obtenus ont été utilisés avec succès comme catalyseurs dans divers procédés tels que: la production d'hydrogène, l'oxydation d'alcool et le clivage d'ADN. / Nowadays, the ability to synthesize new bioinspired metal catalysts to improve and broaden the spectrum of catalytic activity is of paramount importance for sustainable chemistry respectful for our environment. This thesis is focused on the design of transition metal complexes (copper and palladium) based on two different classes of organic ligands: benzotriazolyl-phenolates and phosphonates.Different original complexes based on palladium and copper were synthetized from benzotriazolyl-phenolate and phosphonates ligands. The characterization of the new compounds was performed by different physical and physico-chemical methods (electrochemistry, EPR, UV-vis, IR, X-ray crystallography) and quantum chemistry. The generation and characterization of different reduced and oxidized species helped us in the possible mechanisms determination. The obtained compounds were successfully employed as catalysts in different processes as: hydrogen production, alcohol oxidation and DNA cleavage.

L’objectif de ce travail est l’obtention de mimes efficaces d’hémoprotéines telles le cytochrome P450, la myoglobine ou la cytochrome c oxydase, grâce à des variations synthétiques autour d’une porphyrine à anse phénanthroline (Porphen). Un nouveau modèle de cytochrome c oxydase a plus particulièrement été analysé ici. Il est préparé par substitution des deux positions meso d’une Zn-Porphen. Des phénomènes dynamiques ont été observés et étudiés par RMN 1H, mettant en évidence la présence d’atropoisomères et la coordination-décoordination de la pyridine proximale sur le zinc. Le remplacement du zinc par du fer a ensuite permis l’étude de la coordination d’un sixième ligand exogène dans un site distal dynamique. L’évolution de la géométrie du complexe a été suivie par spectrophotométrie UV-Visible et RPE. En présence de ligands azotés de type midazoles, il se forme dans tous les cas des complexes [1 récepteur/ 1 substrat]. La forte affinité de notre modèle pour le dioxygène a été montrée à la fois par spectrophotométrie UV-Visible, RMN 1H et par résonance Raman. Que ce soit en UV-Visible ou en RMN, la réversibilité du dioxygène a été montré par son remplacement par du CO. La souplesse de cette nouvelle architecture a été mise en évidence, par l’observation d’une relative flexibilité lors des études par spectroscopie IR de la fixation de CO dans le site distal. Cette adaptabilité est également à l’origine d’un comportement assez surprenant en électrochimie, où la réduction du fer(III) et l’oxydation du cuivre(I) en présence de O2 sont facilitées. En électrocatalyse, la réduction de O2 par ce nouveau modèle de cytochrome c oxydase n’est pas facilitée en terme de potentiel, mais efficace quant à la contribution d’un mécanisme à 4 électrons. / The purpose of this work was to prepare efficient models of cytochrome P450, hemoglobin and cytochrome c oxidase, by various synthetic modifications on a phenanthroline-strapped porphyrin (Porphen). In particular, a new model of cytochrome c oxidase was analyzed here. This compound was obtained by substitution of both meso positions of a Zn-Porphen. Dynamics phenoma were observed and analyzed by 1H NMR, showing the presence of atropoisomers and coordination-decoordination of the proximal pyridine on zinc. Zinc was then replaced by iron, which allows the coordination of a sixth exogenous ligand in the dynamic distal site. The evolution of the complexes’ geometry was monitored by UV-Visible spectrophotometry and EPR. In the presence of imidazolesligands, complexes [1 receptor/ 1 substrate] were observed in all cases. Our model’s high affinity for dioxygen was shown by UV-Visible and 1H NMR spectroscopy and Raman resonance. In UV-Visible and NMR studies, the reversibility of dioxygen binding was demonstrated by replacement with CO.The versatility of this new architecture was demonstrated during IR studies by the relative flexibility of the CO binding in the distal site. This versatility also led to surprisingly behavior in electrochemistry, where the reduction of iron(III) and the oxidation of copper(I) were easier in the presence of O2. In electrocatalysis, the reduction of O2 by this new cytochrome c oxidase model was not easier in terms of potentiel, but was efficient in a 4-electrons mechanism.

Les travaux présentés concernent dans une première partie la synthèse biomimétique d’un alcaloïde indolomonoterpénique : la bipléiophylline. La bipléiophylline est le résultat de l’assemblage complexe de deux unités indoliques identiques ancrées sur une plateforme aromatique. Une stratégie générale de synthèse biomimétique de la bipléiophylline consistant i) à la synthèse de l’unité indolique pléiocarpamine et ii) à l’oxydation de l’acide 2,3-dihydroxybenzoïque a été envisagée. L’accès au squelette complexe de la pléiocarpamine a été étudié selon plusieurs stratégies de synthèse totale mais également par hémisynthèse. Parallèlement une étude des conditions d’oxydation notamment par électrochimie de l’acide 2,3-dihydroxybenzoïque ont permis de déterminer et caractériser son potentiel d’oxydation et de mettre au point les conditions de formation de sa forme oxydée. La seconde partie est consacrée à la synthèse biomimétique d’un modèle du cœur central de l’haliclonine A, un alcaloïde de la famille des manzamines. La synthèse de plusieurs précurseurs a été réalisée ainsi que l’étude de l’étape clé de double addition nucléophile sur un 5,6-dihydropyridinium. / Our work deals in the first part with a biomimetic synthesis of bipleiophyllin, an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid. The bipleiophyllin is the result of a complex anchorage of two identical indolic subunits on an aromatic platform. A general strategy for the biomimetic synthesis of bipleiophyllin consisting of i) the synthesis of the indolic unit pleiocarpamin and ii) the oxidation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid; was considered. Access to the complex skeleton of pleiocarpamin has been studied by different total synthesis strategies but also by hemisynthesis. Meanwhile this work, a study of the oxidation conditions of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid including by electrochemistry, helped identify and characterize its oxidation potential and develop the required conditions to obtain its oxidized form. The second part is devoted to the biomimetic synthesis of a model compound, mimic of the central core of haliclonin A, an alkaloid of the family of manzamins. The synthesis of several precursors and the study of the key step consisting in a double nucleophilic addition to a 5,6-dihydropyridinium were done.

Bio-inspired or biomimetic chemistry deals with the replication of the nature’s fundamental processes, which can help in understanding the functioning of biological systems and develop novel applications. Although a large number of researchers worked towards the replication of natural synthetic pathways through biogenetic syntheses, enzyme mimicry by the small organic molecules and inorganic complexes emerged in leaps and bounds over the years. The development of biomimetic chemistry then continued in designing the molecules that can function like enzymes. And now, with the advent of nanotechnology, nanostructured materials have been shown to exhibit enzyme-like activities (nanozymes). Interestingly, the two distinct fields, biology and materials science, have been integrated to form an entirely new area of research that has captured a great attention. Along with the pronounced application of nanomaterials as drug delivery vehicles, anticancer agents, antimicrobials, etc., research is also focused on designing nanomaterials for the biomimetic applications. The thesis consists of five chapters. The first chapter provides a general overview of the recently discovered nanozymes that mimic heme-peroxidase, oxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, haloperoxidase and phosphatase. This chapter also deals with the nanozymes’ application in sensing and immunoassay, and as antioxidants, neuroprotective agents. The factors affecting the nanozymes’ activity and the challenges associated with them is also covered in this chapter. Chapter 2 is divided into two parts and it deals with the biomimetic properties of graphene-based materials. In part A, the remarkable peroxynitrite (PN) reductase and isomerase activities of hemin-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is discussed. In part B, the activity of graphene oxide (GO) as peroxide substrate for the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme is discussed. In chapter 3, the oxidant material, V2O5, is shown to exhibit significant GPx-like antioxidant activity in its nano-form. Chapter 4 deals with the oxidase-like activity of MnFe2O4 nanooctahedrons for the antibody-free detection of major oxidative stress biomarker, carbonylated proteins. In chapter 5, the phosphotriesterase mimetic role of vacancy engineered nanoceria is discussed. instead of H2O2 for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme. As partial reduction of GO was observed when treated with GPx enzyme due to the fact that large sheet-like structures cannot be accessible to the active site, we studied the reaction with some GPx mimetics (Fig. 2). Varying the concentration of cofactor glutathione (GSH) required for the reaction, GPx mimic, ditelluride, could accomplish the reduction of GO following Michaelis-Menten kinetics. As the structure of GO is elusive and under active investigation, our study highlights the presence of peroxide linkages as integral part of GO other than hydroxyl, epoxy and carboxylic groups. This study also highlights an important fact that the modification of GO by biologically relevant compounds such as redox proteins must be taken into account when using GO for biomedical applications because such modifications can alter the fundamental properties of GO. Figure 2. The GO reductase and decarboxylase activities of GPx mimetic ditelluride compound, suggesting the presence of peroxide linkages on GO. In chapter 3, we have discussed about the novel antioxidant nanozyme that combats oxidative stress. During our attempts in the investigation of antioxidant nanozymes, we surprisingly noticed that the oxidant material, V2O5, shows significant GPx-like antioxidant activity in its nano-form. The Vn readily internalize in the cells and exhibit remarkable protective effects when challenged against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although Vn has been shown to protect cells from ROS-induced damage, cells treated with bulk V2O5 and few vanadium complexes resulted in generation of ROS and severe toxicity. Detailed investigation on the mechanism of this interesting phenomenon Chapter 4 deals with the development of novel methodology for detection of biomarkers. Inspired by the use of antibodies and enzymes for detection of a specific antigen, we have shown for the first time that the nanozymes can entirely replace antibodies and enzymes in Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). As a specific example, we focused on the antibody-free detection of chief oxidative stress biomarker, carbonylated proteins, as our target. To achieve this, we designed MnFe2O4 nanooctahedrons that can function as oxidase enzyme and form signaling point of detection. We functionalized MnFe2O4 nanooctahedrons with hydrazide terminating groups so that carbonylated proteins can be linked to nanozymes by hydrazone linkage (Fig. 4a). Treatment of various carbonylated proteins (hemoglobin (Hb), Myoglobin (Mb), Cytochrome c (Cyt c), RNase and BSA) coated in well plate with hydrazide-terminated MnFe2O4 nanooctahedrons and then with 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine substrate, resulted in instantaneous detection by well plate reader (Fig. 4b). Considering the challenges and difficulties associated with the conventional methods used to detect such modified proteins, this methodology opens up a new avenue for the simple, cost-effective, instantaneous and entirely antibody-free ELISA-type detection of carbonylated proteins. Our results provide a cumulative application of nanozymes’ technology in oxidative stress associated areas and pave a new way for direct early detection of post translational modification (PTM) related diseases. Figure 4. a) Nanozyme linked to the carbonylated protein coated on a plate through hydrazone linkage. b) General bar diagram showing detection of oxidized (carbonylated) proteins by nanozymes. Synopsis Figure 5. a) A cartoon view of surface of ceria showing vacancy. b) Zoomed portion of high resolution transmission electron microscopic image showing few vacancies on the surface of nanoceria. c) Catalytic mechanism of detoxification of paraoxon at the defect site. In the final chapter, chapter 5, we have discussed about the nanomaterial that can function as phosphotriesterase enzyme. Phosphotriesterase enzyme is a bacterial enzyme that is involved in the rapid hydrolysis of sarin gas-related deadly nerve agents such as paraoxon, parathion and malathion. When encountered with these orgnaophospatetriesters, living beings tend to undergo nerve shock to cause paralysis by inhibiting an extremely important enzyme called acetylcholine esterase. They are also known to cause severe oxidative stress problems and are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, curbing the toxic effects and detoxification of these nerve agents is a world-wide concern and many research teams have focused their attention to address this important problem. Working on the development of nanozymes for important problems, we found that nanoceria, especially the vacancy engineered one (Fig. 5a,b), can serve as active mimic of phosphotriesterase enzyme in the presence of N-methylmorpholine (acting as a distal base histidine). Vacancy engineered nanoceria has been shown to catalyze the hydrolysis of high amounts of paraoxon quiet efficiently and within few minutes with very low activation energy and high kcat. Detailed mechanistic investigation revealed that the presence of both Ce(III) and Ce(IV) is very essential for detoxification activity (Fig. 5b). The vacancies on the surface of nanoceria, were the buried Ce(III) ions are directly exposed to the reaction environment, behave as hotspots or enzyme active sites for detoxification reaction (Fig. 5b).