Polyoxometalate Mediated Inhibition of the NADH Autooxidation

Traditionally, most in vivo catalytic applications have been performed using enzymes as biocompatible catalysts. However, the use of artificial molecular catalysts, such as molecular metal oxides, so-called polyoxometalates (POMs) has increased over the past decades, the compounds finding applications as enzyme mimetics, enzyme blockers, anti-bacterial drugs and tumor therapeutics. These systems can be chemically tuned over a wide range and are capable of reversible electron and proton transfers while maintaining a stable structure in physiological conditions. Despite their widespread application the mechanisms they employ are usually poorly understood. My talk will provide an overview over my investigations of the interaction between POMs and certain cellular substrates especially the interaction between the iron substituted Keggin type polytungstate and NADH.