Spectroscopic studies on the binding of cobalt(II) 1,10-phenanthroline complex to bovine serum albumin

Unravelling molecular interaction of the uranyl(VI) complex with bovine serum albumin

Interest in the biotoxicology of uranium resulting from its inherent radioactive as well as chemical properties has been growing intensely in recent years. Indeed, uranium in its stable form as UO22+ species is ubiquitously found on earth, and this form is commonly known as the uranyl(VI) ion. The unusual electronic environment at the core of the uranyl(VI) complex plays an important role in its interaction with biomacromolecules. Based on the spectroscopic and computational studies, we have explored the interaction of the uranyl(VI) complex with BSA. The results showed that the fluorescence intensity of BSA was quenched upon interaction with the uranyl(VI) complex largely through dynamic mode, which was authenticated by Stern-Volmer calculations and fluorescence lifetime measurements at different temperatures. Fluorescence anisotropy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy were performed to understand the micro-environments of the fluorophores. Furthermore, the binding constant, standard free energy and number of binding sites were also calculated. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH° and ΔS° revealed that the non-covalent interactions played a principal role in the binding of the uranyl(VI) complex to BSA, and the value of ΔG° indicated the spontaneity of the interaction. Using the site marker fluorescent probes, the binding location of the uranyl(VI) complex at the BSA site was established. This was further supported by the molecular docking technique with a docking free energy of -38.91 kJ mol-1, indicating the non-covalent binding of the uranyl(VI) complex with BSA active sites. This piece of work may contribute mostly to understanding the pharmacokinetics of the uranyl(VI) complex and provide fundamental data on its safe usage.

Ternary Cobalt (II)-Metformin-Glycine/Histidine/Proline Complexes: Multispectroscopic DNA, HSA, and BSA Interaction and Cytotoxicity Studies

The synthesized water-soluble ternary complexes [Co(met)(gly)(Cl)2] (1), [Co(met)(hist)(Cl)2] (2), and [Co(met)(pro)(Cl)2] (3), (met = metformin, gly = glycine, hist = histidine, and pro = proline) were evaluated using spectro-analytical techniques, and the stereochemistry of the complexes was determined to be octahedral. UV-Vis absorption, competitive DNA-binding experiments using ethidium bromide (EB) by fluorescence, fluorescence emission studies, viscosity studies, and gel electrophoresis techniques were all employed to explore the binding characteristics of the cobalt (II) complexes with CT-DNA and groove-binding mechanism established. The salt-dependent association of the complexes to CT-DNA was investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. The association of the cobalt (II) complexes with BSA and HSA was explored by utilizing UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy approaches. The findings show that the complexes exhibit adequate capacity to quench BSA and HSA fluorescence and that the binding response is mostly a static quenching mechanism. The cytotoxicity of the complexes has also been appraised with the human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7) and (MDA-MB-231) by utilizing the MTT assay. For each cell line, the IC50 values were computed. In both cell lines, all the complexes were active.

The Effect of Metal Ions (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) on the Molecular-Structural, Protein Binding, and Cytotoxic Properties of Metal Pyridoxal-Thiosemicarbazone Complexes

Thiosemicarbazones and their transition metal complexes are biologically active compounds and anticancer agents with versatile structural properties. In this contribution, the structural features and stability of four pyridoxal-thiosemicarbazone (PLTSC) complexes with Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu were investigated using the density functional theory and natural bond orbital approach. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of the donor atom-metal interactions. The geometry of compounds and crystallographic structures were further examined by Hirshfeld surface analysis, and the main intermolecular interactions were outlined. It has been shown that the geometry and the number of PLTSC units in the structure determine the type and contribution of the specific interactions. The binding of all four complexes to bovine and human serum albumin was investigated through spectrofluorometric titration. The dependency of the thermodynamic parameters on the present metal ion and geometry was explained by the possible interactions through molecular docking simulations. The binding of complexes to DNA, as one of the possible ways the compounds could induce cell death, was examined by molecular docking. The cytotoxicity was measured towards HCT116, A375, MCF-7, A2780, and MCF5 cell lines, with Cu-PLTSC being the most active, as it had the highest affinity towards DNA and proteins.

Investigation of hexacyanoferrate(II)/(III) charge-dependent interactions with bovine and human serum albumins

In the present paper, the binding interactions of highly negative-charged ions, namely hexacyanoferrates(II/III), i.e. [Fe(CN)₆]^4- and [Fe(CN)₆]^3- with bovine and human serum albumins (BSA and HSA, respectively) have been studied for the first time in an aqueous solution (10 mM cacodylate buffer of pH 7.0) using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and CD spectroscopy supported by molecular dynamics-based computational approaches. The Stern-Volmer equation as well as its modifications suggested that hexacyanoferrates(II/III) effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of the albumins through a static mechanism. The proteins under study possess only one binding site on the surface capable of binding one mole of hexacyanoferrates(II/III) ions per one mole of albumin (HSA or BSA). The formation of albumin complexes is an enthalpy-driven process (|ΔH_ITC| > |TΔS_ITC|). The strength of the interactions depends mainly on the type of albumin, and changes as follows: BSA-K₃[Fe(CN)₆] ∼ BSA-K₄[Fe(CN)₆] > HSA-K₃[Fe(CN)₆] ∼ HSA-K₄[Fe(CN)₆]. Finally, potential binding sites of bovine and human serum albumins have been investigated and discussed based on a competitive fluorescence displacement assay (with warfarin and ibuprofen as site markers) and molecular dynamics simulations.

Spectrofluorimetric analysis of the binding of a target molecule to serum albumin: tricky aspects and tips

Protein binding heavily modulates drug activity. Therefore, the binding features need to be elucidated when chemistry researchers study new molecules (metal complexes) to be used as drugs. This paper concerns the experimental and data treatment aspects of the mechanistic analysis of the binding to a fluorescent protein (the golden standard serum albumin) by using direct fluorescence titrations. Fluorescence data are not rarely only qualitatively used, neglecting further treatments which could offer a precious detailed picture of the behavior of the drug. We aim to spread a mechanistic approach, discussing the critical aspects for correctly designing the experiments and treating the data. The researcher may confirm adduct formation and evaluate binding constants (Stern-Volmer KSV or other types of K). Also, we discuss here, with the help of literature examples, the correct use of temperature dependence of K to extract thermodynamic parameters, comment on enthalpy-entropy compensation, together with the use of synchronous spectra and exchange experiments to gain information on the binding type and site. We think that this tutorial/critical synopsis can be of help for the increasing community dealing with these experiments, which are valuable but often much more tricky than it might appear at first sight.

A review on 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane bridged homo- and heterobimetallic complexes for anticancer applications: Synthesis, structure, and cytotoxicity

Herein, we review developments in synthesis, structure, and biological (anti-cancer) activities of 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) bridged homo- and heterobimetallic systems of the type L_mM(μ₂-dppm)M'L_n (M and M' are transition metals which may be different or the same and L_n,m are co-ligands) since the first such reported bimetallic system in 1987 until the present time (2020). As the simplest diphosphine, dppm enables facile formation of bimetallic complexes, where, given the short spacer between the PPh₂ groups, close spatial proximity of the metal centres is ensured. We concentrate on complexes bearing no M-M interaction and contrast biological activities of these complexes with mononuclear counterparts and positive control agents such as cisplatin, in an attempt to elucidate patterns in the biological activities of these complexes.

In vitro interaction of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, didanosine with calf-thymus DNA: Insights from spectroscopic studies

Many antivirals interact with DNA and alter their expression profile. Thus, it is necessary to understand the binding mode. Didanosine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is used to treat HIV infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Understanding the mechanism of interaction of this nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with DNA can prove useful in the development of a rational drug designing system. In vitro studies (UV-vis, fluorescence, and viscometry techniques) under physiological conditions (Tris-HCl buffer solutions, pH 7.4) show that didanosine drug interacts with calf-thymus DNA (ct-DNA) via partial intercalative binding mode. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation didanosine-DNA complex with a binding strength of about 1.5 × 10⁵ M^-1 thus indicating their biological worth. Dye displace experiments and viscometry confirmed that didanosine partially intercalates toward DNA molecules. Negative value of Gibb's-free energy change revealed that the process is spontaneous. The thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) showed that the acting forces between didanosine and ct-DNA mainly included hydrophobic interactions.

Differential Interaction of Metal Ions with Gold Nanoclusters and Application in Detection of Cobalt and Cadmium

Interest in biosensing platforms using protein fluorescent gold nanoclusters (FGNCs) has grown significantly in the past due to the unique optical properties they offer. This study investigates the interaction of metal ions with FGNCs, and the structural modifications brought about by the interaction resulting in fluorescence changes of the cluster and its successful application in the detection of two heavy metals, cobalt and cadmium. The binding of cobalt and cadmium to FGNCs synthesized from BSA significantly altered the secondary structure of the protein, causing a change in its hydrophobicity. It also resulted in a change in fluorescence properties of FGNCs by intersystem crossing (ICT) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Cobalt and cadmium could successfully be detected in the range of 5-165 ng/mL (R² = 0.95) and 20-1000 ng/ mL (R² = 0.91), respectively, with appreciable sensitivity. The principle was also applied for the detection of Vitamin B₁₂ in commercially available ampoules, validating the proposed method. Graphical Abstract Proposed detection method of cadmium and cobalt using FGNCs.

Preparation, characterization and comparison of biological potency in two new Zn(II) and Pd(II) complexes of butanedione monoxime derivatives

A novel Schiff base ligand (2-iminothiophenol-2,3-butanedione monoxime, ITBM) and its complexes with Pd(II) and Zn(II) metal ions ([M(ITBM)₂]Cl₂) were synthesized and characterized in the present study. The formulated complexes were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity as radical scavengers against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH^•). According to the results, antioxidant activity of Pd complex (IC₅₀=36 mg L^-1) was more effective than that of Zn(II) complex (IC₅₀=72 mg L^-1). Biophysical techniques along with computational modeling were employed to examine the binding of these complexes with human serum albumin (HSA) as the model protein. The trial findings revealed an interaction between Schiff base complexes and HSA with a modest binding affinity [K_b=6.31(±0.11)×10⁴ M^-1 for Zn(II) complex and 0.71(±0.05)×10⁴ M^-1 for Pd(II) complex at 310 K]. An intense fluorescence quenching of protein through a static quenching mechanism was occurred due to the binding of both complexes to HSA. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces in both examined systems were the main stabilizing forces in the development of drug-protein complex. Based on far-UV-CD observations, the content of α-helical structure in the protein was reduced through induction by both complexes. Analysis of protein-ligand docking demonstrated binding of the two Schiff base complexes to residues placed in the IIA subdomain of HSA. In addition, Zn complex with HSA showed a stronger binding ability than that of Pd complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Example of two novel thiocyanato bridged copper (II) complexes derived from substituted thiosemicarbazone ligand: structural elucidation, DNA/albumin binding, biological profile analysis, and molecular docking study

Two novel copper (II) substituted thiosemicarbazone Schiff base complexes [Cu(L₁)(µ-SCN)]_n(NO₃)₂ (1) and [Cu₂(µ-SCN)(SCN)(L₂)₂](NO₃) (2) have been synthesized by condensing substituted thiosemicarbazides like 4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazide or 4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazide with 2-acetylpyridine. Both the metal complexes 1 and 2 are characterized using different spectroscopic techniques like IR, UV-Vis, ESR spectroscopy followed by elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetric measurement and single crystal X-ray structure analysis. X-ray crystal structure analysis reveal that complex 1 is polymeric while complex 2 is dimeric in nature. The coordination geometry around Cu(II) are square pyramidal in which thiosemicarbazone Schiff base ligand coordinate to the central Cu(II) atom in tridentate fashion. The prominent interaction patterns of 1 and 2 with CT-DNA were examined by employing electronic absorption and emission spectral titrations, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity measurements. All the results show that CT-DNA binds with both copper (II) complexes 1 and 2. Furthermore, protein binding ability in vitro of complexes 1 and 2 with both BSA and HSA were carried out using multispectroscopic techniques and a static quenching pattern was observed in both cases. Molecular docking study was employed to ascertain the exact mechanism of action of 1 and 2 with DNA and protein molecules (BSA and HSA). In vitro cytotoxicity activity of complexes 1 and 2 toward AGS and A549 was evaluated using MTT assay which demonstrates that both complexes 1 and 2 have superior prospectus to act as anticancer agents. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Analytical investigation of the influence of ornidazole on the native protein fluorescence

A novel spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of ornidazole (ORN) in pure form and dosage forms was developed based on the influence of ORN on the native fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a stimulated physiological environment. The obtained data reveal that the presence of ORN has a strong quenching effect on the fluorescence of BSA through both a dynamic and a static process. The parameters of the binding of ORN to BSA were calculated at different temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters values suggest a role of electrostatic and hydrophobic forces in the binding of ORN to BSA. The investigated method for the determination of ORN is accurate, precise and sensitive with a detection limit of 0.106 μg/mL and a quantification limit of 0.353 μg/mL. The quenching method was applied successfully in the determination of ORN in pure form and dosage forms.

Synthesis, characterisation, crystal structures and biological studies of palladium(ii) complexes containing 5-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro[1,2,4]triazole-3-thione derivatives

New structurally different palladium(ii) complexes have been synthesized and characterized and evaluated for their cytotoxic nature against human breast cancer cell line (MCF 7) which showed significant activity.

Binding forces between a novel Schiff base palladium(II) complex and two carrier proteins: human serum albumi and β-lactoglobulin

Ligand binding studies on carrier proteins are crucial in determining the pharmacological properties of drug candidates. Here, a new palladium(II) complex was synthesized and characterized. The in vitro binding studies of this complex with two carrier proteins, human serum albumin (HSA), and β-lactoglobulin (βLG) were investigated by employing biophysical techniques as well as computational modeling. The experimental results showed that the Pd(II) complex interacted with two carrier proteins with moderate binding affinity (K_b ≈ .5 × 10⁴ M^-1 for HSA and .2 × 10³ M^-1 for βLG). Binding of Pd(II) complex to HSA and βLG caused strong fluorescence quenching of both proteins through static quenching mechanism. In two studied systems hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces were the major stabilizing forces in the drug-protein complex formation. UV-Visible and FT-IR measurements indicated that the binding of above complex to HSA and βLG may induce conformational and micro-environmental changes of two proteins. Protein-ligand docking analysis confirmed that the Pd(II) complex binds to residues located in the subdomain IIA of HSA and site A of βLG. All these experimental and computational results suggest that βLG and HSA might act as carrier protein for Pd(II) complex to deliver it to the target molecules.

Spectroscopic investigation and in vitro cytotoxic activity toward HepG2 cells of a copper compound complexed with human serum albumin

The human serum albumin (HSA) interaction of a mixed-ligand copper compound (1) with an imidazole and taurine Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and taurine was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and a molecular docking technique. The results of fluorescence and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that 1 can effectively quench the HSA fluorescence by a static mechanism. Binding constants (K) and the number of binding sites (n ≈ 1) were calculated using modified Stern-Volmer equations. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated. UV-vis, CD and FT-IR spectroscopy measurements confirm the alterations in the HSA secondary structure induced by 1. The site marker competitive experiment confirms that 1 is located in subdomain IB of HSA. The combination of molecular docking results and fluorescence experimental results reveal that hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonds are the predominant intermolecular forces stabilizing the 1-HSA complex. The 1-HSA complex increases approximately three times its cytotoxicity in cancer cells but has no effect on normal cells in vitro. Compared with unbound 1, the 1-HSA complex promotes HepG2 cells apoptosis and also has a stronger capacity for cell cycle arrest at the S phase of HepG2 cells.

Studies on the synthesis, characterization, human serum albumin binding and biological activity of single chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes

The interaction of surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes [Co(bpy)(dien)TA](ClO4)3 · 3H2O (1) and [Co(dien)(phen)TA](ClO4)3 · 4H2O (2), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dien = diethylenetriamine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and TA = tetradecylamine with human serum albumin (HSA) under physiological conditions was analyzed using steady state, synchronous, 3D fluorescence, UV/visabsorption and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques. The results show that these complexes cause the fluorescence quenching of HSA through a static mechanism. The binding constant (Kb ) and number of binding-sites (n) were obtained at different temperatures. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters (∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S°) and Ea were also obtained. According to Förster's non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance (r) between the complexes and HSA were calculated. The results of synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy indicate that the binding process has changed considerably the polarity around the fluorophores, along with changes in the conformation of the protein. The antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the complexes were tested and the results show that the complexes have good activities against pathogenic microorganisms and cancer cells.

Separation of static and dynamic thermodynamic parameters for the interaction between pyropheophorbide methyl ester and copper

The interaction between pyropheophorbide methyl ester (PPME) and the ionic metal of copper ( Cu 2+) was investigated using fluorescence and UV-vis techniques. By analysis of the fluorescence spectra, it was observed that Cu 2+ has a strong ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of PPME through dynamic and static quenching process. The binding constants of Cu 2+ with PPME were determined at different temperatures depending on the results of fluorescence quenching. Based on the modified form of the Stern–Volmer equation, static binding constant (kS) and the dynamic binding constant (kD) of Cu 2+-PPME association were obtained at different temperatures. The static thermodynamic function of the enthalpy change (ΔHS), the dynamic thermodynamic function of the enthalpy change (ΔHD), the static thermodynamic function of the entropy change (ΔSS), and the dynamic thermodynamic function of the entropy change (ΔSD) for the binding interaction were determined according to the van't Hoff equation. The values of static Gibbs free energy change (ΔGS) and dynamic Gibbs free energy change (ΔGD) were determined to be negative indicating that the interaction process was a spontaneous. ΔHD and ΔSD values were positive indicating that the dynamic quenching process of Cu 2+-PPME interaction was driven mainly by hydrophobic forces. For the static binding quenching, ΔHS and ΔSS values were negative which indicated that hydrogen bond, electrostatic interaction, and van der Waals interaction were important driving forces for PPME- Cu 2+ association. Both static and dynamic fluorescence quenching were related to the distance between PPME and Cu 2+ indicating that the electron transfer process occurred.

A comparative study on the binding of single and double chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes with bovine serum albumin

The comparative binding effect of single and double aliphatic chain containing surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes cis-[Co(bpy)2(DA)2](ClO4)3·2H2O (1), cis-[Co(bpy)2(DA)Cl](ClO4)2·2H2O (2), cis-[Co(phen)2(CA)2](ClO4)3·2H2O (3), and cis-[Co(phen)2(CA)Cl](ClO4)2·2H2O (4) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) under physiological condition was analyzed by steady state, time resolved fluorescence, synchronous, three-dimensional fluorescence, UV-Visible absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques. The results show that these complexes cause the fluorescence quenching of BSA through a static mechanism. The binding constants (Kb) and the number of binding sites were calculated and binding constant values are found in the range of 10(4)-10(5) M(-1). The results indicate that compared to single chain complex, double chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complex interacts strongly with BSA. Also the sign of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicate that all the complexes interact with BSA through hydrophobic force. The binding distance (r) between complexes and BSA was calculated using Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory and found to be less than 7 nm. The results of synchronous, three dimensional fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods indicate that the double chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes changed the conformation of the protein considerably than the respective single chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes. Antimicrobial studies of the complexes showed good activities against pathogenic microorganisms.

Evaluation of the number of binding sites in proteins from their intrinsic fluorescence: limitations and pitfalls

Changes in the intrinsic protein fluorescence with the additive concentration provide one of the most employed methodologies for the evaluation of the binding constant and the number of binding sites. In the last years, more than 175 studies have been published where the double logarithmic plot shown below is used toward determining the number of equivalent binding sites (n). Log [(F° - F)/F] = log K + n log [Q0 ]. However, the value of n evaluated by this procedure is unrelated to the number of equivalent binding sites; rather it represents the stoichiometry of the binding step. The confusion on the meaning of n arises upon assuming that the binding process is represented by the forward and backward elementary steps shown below, implying that binding of the n solutes takes place simultaneously, i.e. there are no intermediate species. nQ + P ⇆ Qn P. The conclusion that n is unrelated to the number of equivalent binding sites is supported by the fact that in all the systems considered (99% of them) n values are close to one and much smaller than those obtained by ultrafiltration. It is then remarkable, the profusion of publications in peer-reviewed, specialized journals including a conceptual error that confuses Hill's coefficient and/or the stoichiometry of the binding step with the number of independent binding sites. Here, we discuss the origin of this common misconception and provide alternative methods to determine the number of binding sites.

The binding characteristics of isoniazid with copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and its effect on enzymatic activity

Background

Isoniazid (INH) is front-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, which are usually prescribed to TB patients for a total period of 6 months. Antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) is a serious adverse reaction of TB treatment. It is reported that INH-induced hepatotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) is the key enzyme for the protection of oxidative stress, which catalyzes the removal of superoxide radical anion, thereby raising the need to better understand the interaction between INH and SOD.

Results

The experimental results showed that the fluorescence intensity of Cu/Zn-SOD regularly decreased owing to form a 1:1 INH-SOD complex. According to the corresponding association constants (K_SV) between INH and SOD obtained from Stern–Volmer plot, it is shown that values of K_A are 1.01 × 10⁴, 5.31 × 10³, 3.33 × 10³, 2.20 × 10³ L · mol⁻¹ at four different temperatures, respectively. The binding constants, binding sites and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (^ΔH, ^ΔG and ^ΔS) were calculated. A value of 3.93 nm for the average distance between INH and chromophore of Cu/Zn-SOD was derived from Förster theory of non-radiation energy transfer. The conformational investigation showed that the presence of INH resulted in the microenvironment and conformational changes of Cu/Zn-SOD. In addition, Effects of INH on superoxide dismutase activity was examined.

Conclusions

The results show that the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces play major roles in stabilizing the 1:1 INH-SOD complex. After addition of INH during the range of the experiment, the conformation and microenvironment of Cu/Zn-SOD are changed, but the activity of Cu/Zn-SOD is not changed.

Synthesis, anticonvulsant, antioxidant and binding interaction of novel N-substituted methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives to bovine serum albumin: a structure-activity relationship study

A novel class of N-substituted glycosmicine derivatives was synthesized, and their anticonvulsant, antioxidant activity and interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were evaluated. The synthesized compounds 4a-j were examined for anticonvulsant activity by maximal electroshock induced seizures (MESs) test and their neurotoxic effects were determined by rotorod test in mice. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of these compounds were also investigated. Compounds 4d, 4g, 4i and 4j were found to have good protective effect from seizure. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging assay. The interaction between novel N-substituted methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (NMQ) and BSA was analyzed by fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy at 304K under simulative physiological conditions. BSA fluorescence quenched by NMQ is discussed according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The binding constant and binding sites of NMQ with BSA were calculated. According to Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance (r) between NMQ and BSA was calculated.

Synthesis, Characterization, and BSA Binding Studies of Some New Benzamides Related to Schiff Base

Condensation of amine 1 with aldehyde 2 gives Schiff base, N-(4-((benzofuran-2-ylmethylene) amino)phenyl)acetamide 3. Schiff base on N-acylation with different substituted acid chlorides in the presence of triethylamine gives the corresponding benzamides, N-acetyl-N-(4-((benzofuran-2-ylmethylene)amino)phenyl)substitutedbenzamide (NABP) 5a-j. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR FT-IR, and mass spectral studies. Compounds 3 and 5a-j have been screened for their antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against the selected bacterial and fungal strain. Compounds 5a, 5e, 5g, and 5h were found to be more active against all tested strains. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging methods. Compounds 5i and 5j showed predominant antioxidant activities among the synthesized analogues. The interaction between NABP and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopic techniques at 298 K under imitated physiological conditions. The results revealed that NABP caused the fluorescence quenching of BSA through a static quenching procedure. The binding constants and the number of binding sites were calculated. The binding distance between the donor (BSA) and acceptor (NABP) was determined based on Forster's theory.

Nickel(II)-Schiff base complex recognizing domain II of bovine and human serum albumin: spectroscopic and docking studies

It has been spectroscopically monitored that a mononuclear nickel(II)-Schiff base complex {[NiL]·CH(3)OH=NSC} exhibits greater binding affinity for bovine serum albumin (BSA) than that of its human counterpart (HSA). Moreover the modes of binding of NSC with the two serum albumins also differ significantly. Docking studies predict a relatively rare type of 'superficial binding' of NSC at domain IIB of HSA with certain mobility whereas for BSA such phenomena has not been detected. The mobile nature of NSC at domain IIB of HSA has been well correlated with the spectroscopic results. It is to be noted that thermodynamic parameters for the NSC interaction also differ for the two serum albumins. Occurrence of energy transfer between the donor (Trp of BSA and HSA) and acceptor (NSC) has been obtained by means of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The protein stability on NSC binding has also been experimented by the GuHCl-induced protein unfolding studies. Interestingly it has been found that NSC-HSA interaction enhances the protein stability whereas NSC-BSA binding has no such impact. Such observations are indicative of the fact that the conformation of NSC is responsible in recognizing the two serum albumins and selectively enhancing protein stability.

Lanthanide salts of heteropoly molybdotungstosilicate LnHSiMo10W2O40·xH2O (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Yb) binding to bovine serum albumin: a fluorescence quenching study

In the present work, the interaction between a series of novel lanthanide salts of heteropoly molybdotungstosilicate LnHSiMo(10)W(2)O(40)·xH(2)O (LnW(2); Ln = Pr (x = 23), Nd (x = 24), Sm (x = 26), Gd (x = 20), Tb (x = 23), Dy (x = 21), Yb (x = 25)), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by spectroscopic approach at different temperatures under imitated physiological conditions. In the mechanism discussion, it was proved that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by LnW(2) is a result of the formation of LnW(2)-BSA complex. Binding affinity between LnW(2) and BSA was determined using Scatchard equation and the modified Stern-Volmer equation, and the corresponding electronic structure-affinity relationship were discussed. The results of thermodynamic parameters ∆G, ∆H, ∆S at different temperatures indicate that the electrostatic interactions play a major role in LnW(2)-BSA binding process. Moreover, the enthalpy change (∆H) and entropy change (∆S) were in accordance with the "enthalpy-entropy compensation" equation obtained from this and previous work. Furthermore, the distance r between donor (BSA) and acceptor (LnW(2)) was obtained according to fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

One-step bulk preparation of calcium carbonate nanotubes and its application in anticancer drug delivery

Bulk fabrication of ordered hollow structural particles (HSPs) with large surface area and high biocompatibility simultaneously is critical for the practical application of HSPs in biosensing and drug delivery. In this article, we describe a smart approach for batch synthesis of calcium carbonate nanotubes (CCNTs) based on supported liquid membrane (SLM) with large surface area, excellent structural stability, prominent biocompatibility, and acid degradability. The products were characterized by transmission electron micrograph, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential, and particle size distribution. The results showed that the tube-like structure facilitated podophyllotoxin (PPT) diffusion into the cavity of hollow structure, and the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of CCNTs for PPT are as high as 38.5 and 64.4 wt.%, respectively. In vitro drug release study showed that PPT was released from the CCNTs in a pH-controlled and time-dependent manner. The treatment of HEK 293T and SGC 7901 cells demonstrated that PPT-loaded CCNTs were less toxic to normal cells and more effective in antitumor potency compared with free drugs. In addition, PPT-loaded CCNTs also enhanced the apoptotic process on tumor cells compared with the free drugs. This study not only provides a new kind of biocompatible and pH-sensitive nanomaterial as the feasible drug container and carrier but more importantly establishes a facile approach to synthesize novel hollow structural particles on a large scale based on SLM technology.

Study of the interaction between 2,5-di-[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)ethylene]-terephthalonitril and bovine serum albumin by fluorescence spectroscopy

A new compound, 2,5-di-[2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)ethylene]-terephthalonitrile (DHPEPN), was synthesized. The interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and DHPEPN in Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.4) was investigated using fluorescence and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The mechanism of BSA fluorescence quenched by DHPEPN is discussed according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The binding constant and the thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔS, ΔG at different temperatures were calculated. The results indicate that the van der Waals interaction and hydrogen bonding play major roles in the binding process. The distance between BSA and DHPEPN is estimated to be 3.59 nm based on the Förster resonance energy transfer theory. The spectral changes of synchronous fluorescence and three-dimensional fluorescence suggest that both of the microenvironment of DHPEPN and the conformation of BSA are changed during binding between DHPEPN and BSA.