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Atomically Precise Pt3Cu2 Clusters Restore Energy Metabolism via Targeted Succinate Degradation
Fangzhen Tian1, Nan Song1, Shasha Li1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel platinum-copper (Pt3Cu2) nanocluster that mimics succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. This nanocluster effectively reduces harmful succinate buildup, restoring energy metabolism and resolving inflammation in metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Metabolic Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Abnormal succinate accumulation disrupts cellular energy homeostasis and causes systemic inflammation.
- Targeting succinate is a key strategy for metabolic equilibrium.
- Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) plays a critical role in energy metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer an atomically precise nanocluster with SDH-mimicking activity for succinate oxidation.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of this nanocluster in metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Biomimetic electronic structure engineering of Pt3Cu2 clusters.
- In vitro characterization of succinate-binding affinity and catalytic activity.
- In vivo testing in disease models of energy metabolic dysfunction.
Main Results:
- The Pt3Cu2 cluster demonstrated superior succinate-binding affinity compared to native SDH.
- Pt3Cu2 catalyzed succinate oxidation, reducing accumulation by 43.54% and restoring ATP production 5.31-fold.
- Treatment resolved hepatic and neuroinflammation, improved energy supply, and enhanced cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Atomically precise Pt3Cu2 nanoclusters effectively mimic SDH function.
- This enzyme-mimetic strategy shows promise for treating metabolic-inflammatory diseases.
- Metal nanoclusters offer a novel therapeutic approach for complex diseases.
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