PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 3.W - Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Technologies

Review on the application of metalloporphyrin catalysts as cytochrome P450 enzyme mimics in biomimetic modeling

Name of the presenter

Abdulhussein, Ahmed

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, pharmaceutical chemistry department

Authors

Ahmed Abdulhussein¹
1: Semmelweis University, pharmaceutical chemistry department

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Drug metabolism studies are important in pharmaceutical research for predicting the safety and metabolic fate of drug candidates. Conventional cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-based systems are widely used but are often costly, time-consuming, and limited in stability. Metalloporphyrins (MPs), due to their similarity to CYP450 heme centers, have emerged as promising biomimetic catalysts for oxidative drug metabolism. Advances in immobilization methods, nanostructured supports, and continuous-flow systems have expanded their applications in metabolite synthesis and mechanistic studies.
Aims: To review recent advances (2015–2026) in metalloporphyrin-based biomimetic catalysis for oxidative drug metabolism, compare MPs with conventional CYP450 systems, and evaluate innovations in immobilization and continuous-flow applications.
Methods: A literature review of studies published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted. Metalloporphyrin-catalyzed oxidative drug metabolism studies were analyzed and compared with CYP450-based models regarding selectivity, stability, scalability, and functional group tolerance. Recent developments in immobilized catalysts, nanomaterials, and microreactor technologies were also reviewed.
Results: Metalloporphyrins showed strong potential as biomimetic oxidation catalysts for drug metabolism studies. Compared with enzymatic systems, MPs offer lower cost, improved stability, and easier scalability. Immobilization and nanotechnology improved catalyst efficiency and reusability, while continuous-flow systems enhanced reaction control and metabolite production. However, challenges remain in achieving high regioselectivity.
Conclusion: Metalloporphyrins are valuable complementary tools for oxidative drug metabolism and metabolite synthesis. Advances in catalyst design and flow technologies highlight their growing role in pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.
Funding: This work received no specific funding from public, commercial, or non-profit organizations.