Linear and looped coordination polymers of hemoglobins linked via bis(terpyridine)iron(II) complexes

Abstract

We synthesized two structurally distinct coordination polymers of hemoglobins (Hbs) linked via bis(terpyridine)iron(II) complexes. Modulating the angle between the two terpyridine ligands on Hb yielded either linear nanofibers or looped nanofibers with discrete nanorings. These Hb-based polymers retained the intrinsic O2-binding capacity of the native Hb units under physiological conditions.