Novel peptoids for the detection and suppression of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

Novel peptoids useful for the detection and suppression of various components contributing to oxidative stress and for elucidation of the interplay between these species are presented. Oxidative stress involves redox-active metal ion activation/generation of RONS (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species). For detection of RONS, the peptoid probes consist of a conjugate designed to (1) complex redox-active and non-redox-active metal ions, and (2) differentiate between RONS based upon the reaction products following RONS attack on the probe. For suppression of RONS, subtle modifications in peptoid structure impart catalase and superoxide dismutase activities to the peptoids upon ferric or cupric ion complexation.