Poly-α,β-DL-aspartyl-L-cysteine: a novel nanomaterial having a porous structure, special complexation capability for Pb(II), and selectivity of removing Pb(II)

Chem Res Toxicol. 2012 Sep 17;25(9):1948-54. doi: 10.1021/tx300265c. Epub 2012 Sep 4.

Abstract

Poly-α,β-DL-aspartic acid is known as a green chelant of various metal ions. To provide a novel nanochelant for treating Pb(II) poisoning, poly-α,β-DL-aspartic acid was modified with L-Cys to form poly-α,β-DL-aspartyl-L-cysteine (PDC; MW, 27273). DL-Asp was converted into polysuccinimide through a thermal polycondensation, and the amidation of polysuccinimide with L-Cys provided PDC. In water, PDC formed various porous nanospecies. In the mouse lead intoxication model, both intraperitoneal and oral administration of PDC (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 nmol/kg) dose dependently removed Pb(II) accumulated in the organ, bone, and blood. PDC did not remove the essential metals including Cu(2+), Fe(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), and Ca(2+) of the treated mice. The porous feature and size of the pH- and concentration-dependent nanospecies of PDC benefited the removal of Pb(II).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry*
  • Coordination Complexes / metabolism
  • Cysteine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lead / chemistry*
  • Lead / urine
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Coordination Complexes
  • Peptides
  • poly-alpha,beta-aspartyl-cysteine
  • Lead
  • Cysteine