Design and Functional Evaluation of Cu(II) Coordination Polymers with Tunable Co-Ligands for Enhanced Urease Inhibition

Abstract

A series of copper(II) coordination polymers (Cu(II) CPs) with tunable co-ligands were designed, synthesized, and systematically evaluated for their urease inhibitory activity. The structural characterization, including FT-IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy, confirmed the formation of stable polymeric frameworks with diverse topologies and coordination geometries. The co-ligand composition significantly influenced both the structural and functional properties of the polymers, with nitrogen-rich and electron-donating ligands exhibiting enhanced inhibition. Urease inhibition assays revealed dose-dependent activity and varying kinetic modes, ranging from competitive to mixed-type inhibition, depending on the ligand structure and polymer topology. The study establishes clear structure–activity relationships, demonstrating that electronic, steric, and dimensional factors synergistically govern enzyme inhibition. Compared to conventional small-molecule inhibitors, the Cu(II) coordination polymers displayed superior stability, multidentate binding capacity, and tunable activity, highlighting their potential applications in agriculture and biomedicine. This work provides a robust framework for the rational design of metal-based functional materials with enhanced enzymatic inhibition.