Studies on catalytic fluorescence formation with peroxidase-like metallotetrakis(N-methylpyridiniumyl) porphyrins

The relative ability of peroxidase-like metallotetrakis(N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrins Me-TMPyP, Me = Mn(III), Fe(III), Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)] to catalyse the hydrogen peroxide oxidation of homovanillic acid to a fluorescent dimer has been studied. The complexes of Mn, Fe and Co are effective catalysts in the reaction, but the complexes of Ni, Cu and Zn are not. The catalytic behaviour of Mn-TMPyP, Fe-TMPyP and Co-TMPyP has been compared with that of HRP in both enzymatic and kinetic analysis. The sequence of peroxidase-like catalytic activity is Mn-TMPyP> Co-TMPyP> Fe-TMPyP. The catalytic activity of Mn-TMPyP is 84% of that of HRP. These Me-TMPyP (Me = Mn, Fe, and Co) compounds are good substitutes for HRP in enzymatic analysis. Traces of hydrogen peroxide and glucose can be determined with the Me-TMPyP systems.