Preparation and Characterization of Cu,Zn-Superoxide Dismutase Covalently Modified by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

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Z. J. Zhan, Z. G. Zhou, and W. G. Shan^*

College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China; fax: 86-571-8832-0913; E-mail: tianranyaowu@zjut.edu.cn

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received October 20, 2008; Revision received December 17, 2008

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To improve its stability and lipophilicity, Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) was chemically modified with linoleic and α-linolenic acids using two different methods. Higher retained enzymatic activity has been observed compared with SOD modified by macromolecular substances. Enhanced heat stability, acid and alkali resistance, and anti-pepsin/trypsin ability of the modified SOD were observed compared with those of the natural enzyme, the apparent oil–water partition coefficient being especially increased. The results characterize SOD modified with polyunsaturated fatty acids as a promising pharmacological tool.

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KEY WORDS: Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase, polyunsaturated fatty acids, chemical modification, stability, partition coefficient

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297909110133

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