Low molecular weight chymotrypsin analogs exhibiting the binding and catalytic groups of the real enzyme of the formula ##STR1## where D equals .alpha.-, .beta.- or .gamma.-cyclodextrin; P is X or (CH.sub.2).sub.n X, wherein n equals 0 to 2 and X equals S, NH, or 0; Q equals substituted phenyl with the carboxylate ion attached to the ortho position or equals (CH.sub.2).sub.n, wherein n equals 0 to 3; and R equals hydrogen --CH.sub.3 or --C.sub.2 H.sub.5. The enzyme models are useful as an analytical model mimicking the real enzyme, a stain remover, a laundry detergent additive, a food additive, and as a therapeutic agent for treating enzyme deficiencies.
Pepzymes, chemically synthesized cyclic peptides, modeled on lysozyme and ribonuclease have been prepared which efficiently catalyze the same reaction as the native enzyme being modeled. The synthetic pepzymes have a sequence of amino acids which is substantially shorter than the naturally occurring enzymes. Methods of producing these pepzymes are described. Pepzymes may be useful catalysts under conditions where the native enzymes are inactive.
Artificial redox enzymes are disclosed wherein one or more redox coenzymes or cofactors are linked to the 2-O, 3-O or 6-O positions of a D-glucopyranose ring of .alpha.-, .beta.-, or .gamma.-cyclodextrins. Also disclosed are facile synthetic methods for producing said artificial redox enzymes in good yield, and methods of use of such compositions.
