Peroxidasemediated

Peroxidasemediated refers to processes in which hydrogen peroxide serves as an oxidant and peroxidase enzymes catalyze the oxidation of a variety of substrates. This category encompasses biological reactions in living organisms as well as laboratory- or industrially mediated oxidations. In heme-containing peroxidases, the catalytic cycle begins when the resting enzyme reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form Compound I, an iron-oxo species with a porphyrin radical cation. Compound I then oxidizes substrate molecules by one- or two-electron transfers, generating reactive intermediates and leading to the regeneration of the resting enzyme via electron donation from a second substrate molecule or a reductant.

Biological examples include myeloperoxidase, which uses hydrogen peroxide to generate reactive halogen species for antimicrobial defense, and plant or animal peroxidases that participate in lignin formation, auxin metabolism, or detoxification. In the laboratory, horseradish peroxidase is widely used as a model enzyme and as a versatile catalyst in colorimetric assays, biocatalysis, and molecular biology techniques.

Applications of peroxidasemediated reactions span biosensing and diagnostic assays (such as ELISA), environmental remediation of phenolic pollutants, organic synthesis, and polymerization processes. The reactions can be highly specific with appropriate substrates and conditions, but they also pose risks because hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxidants can damage biomolecules and lipids if not properly controlled.