Modifying superoxide dismutase for improved biopharmaceutical properties

The superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) contributes to the physiological equilibrium between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, by destroying the superoxide anion (O2). However, its therapeutic use is limited by its fast clearance from the bloodstream and inactivation by its own reaction product, i.e. hydrogen peroxide. Here is a summary of the main strategies developed to circumvent these limitations. The therapeutic fitness of SOD could be achieved by chemical modification or by using polymeric hydrogels for its controlled release. SOD can be chemically modified with other macromolecules like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Otherwise, it could be encapsulated in liposomes or absorbed in CMC hydrogels. All these strategies increase the SOD half-life in the bloodstream, also improving its pharmacological properties.