Copper(II) complexes with B-cyclodextrin-homocarnosine conjugates and their antioxidant activity

Copper(II) complexes of the beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) functionalized with homocarnosine (HC) in the primary (CDHC6) and secondary rim (CDHC3) were characterized by means of different spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Vis absorption, circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic resonance and electron-spray mass spectrometry. Taken together, all the spectroscopic parameters indicate the formation of different copper(II) complex species at various pH values. In the CDHC3 copper(II) complex species, a direct involvement of the secondary hydroxyl group 2 of functionalized beta-CD's ring has been pointed out. The antioxidant activity of the copper(II) complexes of the two derivatives was determined through pulse radiolysis measurements. The results obtained provide direct evidence for a high catalytic activity of both complexes towards the dismutation of the superoxide anion radical. It is also demonstrated that the complex formation is not detrimental to the excellent scavenger activity exhibited by the ligands alone towards hydroxyl radicals. These copper complexes then represent very intriguing antioxidant agents against well known toxic reactive oxygen species.