Dication induced stabilization of gas-phase ternary beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes observed by electrospray mass spectrometry

Ternary complexes of cyclodextrins with alkali earth cations and amino acids in gas phase investigated by mass spectrometry

Noncovalent ternary complexes between cyclodextrins (CDs), small molecules and alkali earth cations drew growing attention due to their potential application in many chemical and pharmaceutical fields. To date, the main factors affect the formation mechanism of noncovalent ternary complexes in gas phase have not been fully investigated. In this study, ternary complexes of CDs, divalent metal cations and amino acids (AAs) were investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), demonstrating the formation of 1:1:1 stoichiometric noncovalent ternary complex of [CD + cation(II)+AA]²⁺ in gas phase. The results revealed that only +2 valence cations can form stable ternary complexes in ESI-MS. The ratio of peak intensities for [β-CD + Mg(II)+AA]²⁺ to those for [β-CD + Mg(II)]²⁺ hydrophobicity of AAs was also determined to discuss the effect of hydrophobicity of AAs. Exceptions exist for Pro, Gly, and Val indicated that other factors such as side-chain structure and rigidity of AAs can also influence the binding strength for ternary complexes. Collision induced dissociations (CID) were performed to further confirm the formation of the β-CD ternary complexes, revealing the binding strength of [CD + Mg(II)+Phe]²⁺ decreased in the order of γ-CD, β-CD, and α-CD. Although Leu and Ile are isomers, the ESI-MS demonstrated the peak intensity for ternary complexe of [β-CD + Mg(II)+Ile]²⁺ exhibited stronger than that of [β-CD + Mg(II)+Leu]²⁺, DFT theoretical calculations were conducted to explain the phenomenon. The calculation indicated when Mg²⁺ existing, the conformations of the two ternary complexes could be affected due to the electrostatic force. In the complexes, the Leu and Ile turn a way round, inserting to the cavity with their carboxylic acid side into the large rim side of β-CD and interacting with Mg²⁺. This work not only clearly explained the factors influencing the formation of [CD + cation(II)+AA]²⁺ in gas phase, but it also provides an insight in designing ternary complexes for areas such as drug design and chiral discrimination.

Gas-Phase Fragmentation of Cyclic Oligosaccharides in Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Modern mass spectrometry, including electrospray and MALDI, is applied for analysis and structure elucidation of carbohydrates. Cyclic oligosaccharides isolated from different sources (bacteria and plants) have been known for decades and some of them (cyclodextrins and their derivatives) are widely used in drug design, as food additives, in the construction of nanomaterials, etc. The peculiarities of the first- and second-order mass spectra of cyclic oligosaccharides (natural, synthetic and their derivatives and modifications: cyclodextrins, cycloglucans, cyclofructans, cyclooligoglucosamines, etc.) are discussed in this minireview.

Determinants of the host-guest interactions between α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins and group IA, IIA and IIIA metal cations: a DFT/PCM study

The most widely used native cyclodextrins are α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins containing six, seven or eight α-d-glucopyranoside units in the ring, respectively. Although the ligation properties of these host molecules have been extensively studied, a number of questions regarding their metal binding and selectivity remain unaddressed: to what extent do the size and flexibility of the host α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins influence their metal affinity/selectivity? Which metal is the most preferred binding partner of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins? How do the charge, size and preferred coordination number of the metal cation shape its interactions with the host cyclodextrin? Can the guest metal cation inflict structural alterations in the host molecule and, if so, how do these changes correlate with the metal's properties? In the present study, by employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with polarizable continuum model (PCM) computations, we try to answer these questions by evaluating the thermodynamic parameters of the IA, IIA and IIIA group metal binding to α, β- and γ-cyclodextrins. We assess how the interaction between the two binding partners depends on (1) the size, valence state and preferred coordination number of the guest metal cations, (2) the size and flexibility of the host molecule, and (3) the dielectric properties of the environment. The series of group IA (Na⁺ and Rb⁺), IIA (Mg²⁺ and Sr²⁺) and IIIA (Al³+ and In³⁺) metal cations have been chosen for the task as they allow us to study the effect of various metal parameters (variable charge, ionic radius and coordination number) on the strength and form of the interactions with the host cyclodextrins.

Kinetic Study of [2]Pseudorotaxane Formation with an Asymmetrical Thread

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies on cyclodextrin (CD)-based [2]pseudorotaxane formation have been carried out by a combination of NMR and calorimetric techniques using bolaform surfactants as axles. Experimental evidence of the formation of an external complex between the trimethylammonium head groups of the axle and the external hydrogen atoms of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) is reported. Inclusion of this external complex in the reaction pathway allows us to explain the kinetic behavior as well as the nonlinear dependence of the observed rate constant on CD concentrations. The equilibrium constant for [2]pseudorotaxane formation is strongly affected by the spacer length of the axle. This effect is a consequence of increasing rotaxane stability because the threading rate constant is almost independent of the spacer length, but dethreading strongly decreases on increasing the axle size. Using a nonsymmetrical axle with tripropyl and trimethylammonium cations precludes CD threading by the large head side. CDs will thread this asymmetrical bolaform by both their wide and narrow sides, yielding two isomeric [2]pseudorotaxanes. Threading by the wide side of the CD is 60% more favorable than that by the narrow one, but dethreading rate constants are the same for both isomers.

Quantifying non-covalent binding affinity using mass spectrometry: a systematic study on complexes of cyclodextrins with alkali metal cations

RATIONALE

To date, the quantification of binding affinities for non-covalent complexes between cyclodextrin (CD) and alkali cations including Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) , Rb(+) , and Cs(+) has not been investigated in detail by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) due to the unknown ionization efficiencies of the different species. In this study, the binding constants of CD-Cs(+) complexes were determined by an improved mass spectrometric titration methodology, which was based only on the peak intensities of equilibrium CD. Hence, the discrepancy of ionization efficiencies of CD, alkaline cation and their complex would not affect the measurement. Then the obtained lgKa values were provided as references for competitive ESI-MS. The binding constants for complexes of α-, β- or γ-CD with Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) and Rb(+) could be derived directly and quickly.

METHODS

The lgKa values between α-, β- or γ-CD and Cs(+) data were processed by curve fitting. These lgKa values were provided as references for competitive ESI-MS. In addition, linear fit equations for complexes of α-, β- or γ-CD with Cs(+) were derived. Through the linear fit equations of competitive ESI-MS, the binding constants for complexes of Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) and Rb(+) with α-, β- or γ-CD were acquired.

RESULTS

Results showed that the binding constant (lgKa ) values for the complexes of Cs(+) with α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins were 3.94, 3.88 and 3.80, respectively, revealing that the binding strength decreased with the increase in diameter of cyclodextrins. The competitive ESI-MS results showed a clear trend of decreasing affinity for complexes of cyclodextrins in the order of Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) , Rb(+) .

CONCLUSIONS

The binding constants of non-covalent cyclodextrin-alkali cation complexes have been systematically studied by an improved mass spectrometric titration and competitive ESI-MS. Also, the structural features of the complexes were discussed. Our results are valuable for better understanding of mechanisms driving inclusion chemistry under well-defined conditions.

Interaction of artesunate with β-cyclodextrin: Characterization, thermodynamic parameters, molecular modeling, effect of PEG on complexation and antimalarial activity

Inclusion of artesunate in the cavity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as well as its methyl and hydroxypropyl derivatives was investigated experimentally and by molecular modeling studies. The effect of PEG on the inclusion was also studied. A 1:1 stoichiometry was indicated by phase-solubility studies both in the presence and absence of PEG and suggested by the mass spectrometry. The mode of inclusion was supported by 2D NMR and results were further verified by docking studies utilizing Fast Rigid Exhaustive Docking acronym. The thermodynamic parameters were determined for both binary and ternary systems using solution calorimetry and were found to be best for the methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD) system. However, the presence of PEG improves the complexation ability as evident from elevation in the numerical value of the stability constant (K). Solubility and dissolution profile of binary complex is enhanced in the presence of PEG, which is approximately at par with drug Me-β-CD complexes. In vivo studies showed 100% survivability in artesunate-Me-β-CD complexes.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry studies of cyclodextrin-carboxylate ion inclusion complexes

Aqueous solutions containing simple model aliphatic and alicyclic carboxylic acids (surrogates 1-4) were studied using negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in the presence and absence of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin. Molecular ions were detected corresponding to the parent carboxylic acids and complexed forms of the carboxylic acids; the latter corresponding to non-covalent inclusion complexes formed between carboxylic acid and cyclodextrin compounds (e.g., beta-CD, alpha-CD, and gamma-CD). The formation of 1:1 non-covalent inclusion cyclodextrin-carboxylic complexes and non-inclusion forms of the cellobiose-carboxylic acid compounds was also observed.Aqueous solutions of Syncrude-derived mixtures of aliphatic and alicyclic carboxylic acids (i.e. naphthenic acids; NAs) were similarly studied using ESI-MS, as outlined above. Molecular ions corresponding to the formation of CD-NAs inclusion complexes were observed whereas 1:1 non-inclusion forms of the cellobiose-NAs complexes were not detected. The ESI-MS results provide evidence for some measure of inclusion selectivity according to the 'size-fit' of the host and guest molecules (according to carbon number) and the hydrogen deficiency (z-series) of the naphthenic acid compounds. The relative abundances of the molecular ions of the CD-carboxylate anion adducts provide strong support for differing complex stability in aqueous solution. In general, the 1:1 complex stability according to hydrogen deficiency (z-series) of naphthenic acids may be attributed to the nature of the cavity size of the cyclodextrin host compounds and the relative lipophilicity of the guest.

Investigation by mass spectrometry of metal complexes of new molecular hosts: cyclic oligomer of sugar amino acid and sugar-aza-crown ethers

The affinity of cyclic oligomers of sugar amino acid and sugar-aza-crown ether compounds towards various transition metal cations (Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(II) and Zn(II)) was investigated with positive-ion electrospray mass spectrometry. The binding between the receptors (M) and the different metals (Met) is evidenced mainly by the presence of the [M + Met(II)Cl](+) ion. The experimental results showed that all studied receptors present specificity to Cu(II). An attempt has been made with CuI but no complexation was obtained. The formation of these complexes can be rationalized by considering the presence of two oxygens and two nitrogens on the receptor rim. The lone electron pair can serve as the electron donor to Cu(II). Theoretical calculations were carried out in order to show the structure of the complex and, in particular, to determine if Cu(2+) is situated either on the outer surface, on the rim of the receptor or inside the cavity. Comparison of complex formation was carried out by mixing the four receptors with various amounts of Cu(II) (one equivalent and five equivalents). It appears that the best complexation was obtained with the sugar-aza-crown ethers (amine linker) for both benzylated and methylated compounds. In addition, the stereochemical effects have been investigated.

Assessment of ternary iron-cyclodextrin-2-naphthol complexes using NMR and fluorescence spectroscopies

Recent research has indicated that ternary complexes can be formed among carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin, certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (e.g. anthracene and 2-naphthol), and Fe(2+) in aqueous solution. The formation of these ternary complexes has been suggested as the reason for improved reaction efficiency in iron catalyzed Fenton degradation (H(2)O(2)+Fe(2+)-->*OH+OH(-)+Fe(3+)) of PAHs and other pollutants. In the present work, several other cyclodextrins were examined to determine their ability to form similar ternary complexes with 2-naphthol and Fe(2+). Fluorescence and NMR techniques were employed in this study. Results showed that hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, and alpha-cyclodextrin were able to encapsulate 2-naphthol molecules, but their binding with Fe(2+) was weak. On the contrary, sulfated-beta-cyclodextrin has significant binding with Fe(2+), but it showed little inclusion of 2-naphthol molecules. Consequently, none of these four cyclodextrins formed significant amounts of ternary complexes in aqueous solution. The techniques used in this study provide useful methods for assessing the ability of cyclodextrins to form ternary complexes with guest compounds and metal ions.

Simple chip-based interfaces for on-line monitoring of supramolecular interactions by nano-ESI MS

Two simple interfaces were designed and realized, enabling on-line coupling of microfluidics reactor chips to a nanoflow electrospray ionization (NESI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer (MS). The interfaces are based on two different approaches: a monolithically integrated design, in which ionization is assisted by on-chip gas nebulization, and a modular approach implying the use of commercially available Picospray tips. Using reserpine as a reference compound in a 1ratio1 mixture of acetonitrile and water revealed that both interfaces provide a remarkably stable mass spectrometric signal (standard deviations lower than 8% and 1% for the monolithic and modular approaches, respectively). Glass microreactors, containing mixing zones, were fabricated and coupled to the modular interface with perfluoroelastomer Nanoport fluidics connectors, providing a tool to study chemical reactions on-line. Investigation of the mixing dynamics showed that complete on-chip reagents mixing is achieved within a few tens of milliseconds. Metal-ligand interactions of Zn-porphyrin with pyridine (2), 4-ethylpyridine (3), 4-phenylpyridine (4), N-methylimidazole (5), and N-butylimidazole (6) in acetonitrile as well as host-guest complexations of beta-cyclodextrin (7) with N-(1-adamantyl)acetamide (8) or 4-tert-butylacetanilide (9) in water were studied by mass spectrometry using the modular NESI-chip interface. From on-chip dilution-based mass spectrometric titrations of Zn-porphyrin 1 with pyridine (2) or 4-phenylpyridine (4) in acetonitrile Ka-values of 4.6 +/- 0.4 x 10(3) M(-1) and 6.5 +/- 1.2 x 10(3) M(-1), respectively, were calculated. The Ka-values are about four times larger than those obtained with UV/vis spectroscopy in solution, probably due to a higher ionization efficiency of complexed compared to uncomplexed Zn-porphyrin. For the complexation of N-(1-adamantyl)acetamide (8) with beta-cyclodextrin (7), a Ka-value of 3.6 +/- 0.3 x 10(4) M(-1) was obtained, which is in good agreement with that determined by microcalorimetry.

Mass spectrometric decompositions of cationized β-cyclodextrin

The mass spectrometric decompositions of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) complexed with a number of common divalent metal cations (Mg, Ca, Cd, Cu, Co and Pb), obtained under electrospray ionization conditions, are reported. The main fragmentation pathways of [beta-CD+Cat](2+) ions studied (Cat stands for divalent cation) consist of consecutive losses of sugar units. The rupture of C-C bond in sugar units, which occurs via hydrogen atom transfer from the fragment ion formed to the eliminated species, was also observed. Isotope labelling consisting of the exchange of all hydroxyl hydrogens for deuteriums, has been applied in order to understand better the formation of fragment ions. It was found that C-H hydrogen transfer proceeds only during fragmentation across C-C bonds.

Evidence for the 2:1 molecular recognition and inclusion behaviour between β- and γ-cyclodextrins and cinchonine

Cinchonine (Cin) is the primary drug of choice in the treatment of malaria, but its poor solubility has restricted its use via the oral route. Cyclodextrins (CDs) form inclusion complexes with cinchonine to form soluble complexes. This interaction was investigated by solubility studies, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and molecular modeling. ESI-MS evaluated successfully the nature of the solution-phase inclusion complexes. The experimental results showed that not only 1:1, but also stable 2:1 inclusion complexes can be formed between CDs and Cin. Multi-component complexes of beta-CD-Cin-beta-CD (1:1:1), gamma-CD-Cin-gamma-CD (1:1:1), and beta-CD-Cin-gamma-CD (1:1:1) were found in equimolar beta- and gamma-CD mixtures with Cin. The formation of 2:1 and multi-component 1:1:1 non-covalent CD-Cin complexes indicates that beta- and gamma-CD are able to form sandwich-type inclusion complexes with Cin in high concentrations. The phase-solubility diagram showed non-linear type A(p) profile, indicating that more than one cyclodextrin molecule is involved in the complexation of one guest molecule. Molecular modeling calculations have been carried out to rationalize the experimental findings and predict the lowest energy molecular structure of inclusion complex.