Quorum quenching effect of cyclodextrins on the pyocyanin and pyoverdine production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Various virulence determinants in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are regulated by the quorum sensing (QS) network producing and releasing signalling molecules. Two of these virulence determinants are the pyocyanin and pyoverdine, which interfere with multiple cellular functions during infection. The application of QS-inhibiting agents, such as cyclodextrins (CDs), appears to be a promising approach. Further to method development, this research tested in large-volume test systems the effect of α- and β-CD (ACD, BCD) at 1, 5, and 10 mM concentrations on the production of pyocyanin in the P. aeruginosa model system. The concentration and time-dependent quorum quenching effect of native CDs and their derivatives on pyoverdine production was tested in a small-volume high-throughput system. In the large-volume system, both ACD and BCD significantly inhibited pyocyanin production, but ACD to a greater extent. 10 mM ACD resulted in 58% inhibition, while BCD only ~40%. Similarly, ACD was more effective in the inhibition of pyoverdine production; nevertheless, the results of RMANOVA demonstrated the significant efficiency of both ACD and BCD, as well as their derivatives. Both the contact time and the cyclodextrin treatments significantly influenced pyoverdine production. In this case, the inhibitory effect of ACD after 48 h at 12.5 mM was 57%, while the inhibitory effect of BCD and its derivatives was lower than 40%. The high-level significant inhibition of both pyocyanin and pyoverdine production by ACD was detectable. Consequently, the potential value of CDs as QS inhibitors and the antivirulence strategy should be considered. KEYPOINTS: • Applicability of a simplified method for quantification of pyocyanin production was demonstrated. • The cyclodextrins significantly affected the pyocyanin and pyoverdine production. • The native ACD exhibited the highest attenuation in pyoverdine production.

Recent List of Cyclodextrin-Containing Drug Products

The number of the cyclodextrin-containing drug formulations on the market has been continuously growing since the first drug (prostaglandin E1 formulated with α-cyclodextrin) was launched in Japan in 1976. We have collected a list of drugs from various sources available on the internet to find 130 approved pharmaceutical ingredients formulated with either parent cyclodextrins or their hydroxypropyl, sulfobutyl, random methylated or sulfolipo derivatives. We have sorted the drug products according to the cavity size of the cyclodextrins, the administration route and dosage forms.

Investigation of the Drug Carrier Properties of Insoluble Cyclodextrin Polymer Microspheres

The investigation of the usability of solid insoluble β-cyclodextrin polymers (βCDP) in micro-sized, controlled drug delivery systems has only recently attracted interest. Our aim was to form complexes with poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with two types of βCDP for drug delivery applications. Solid insoluble cyclodextrin polymer of irregular shape (βCDPIS) and cyclodextrin microbeads (βCDPB) were used in the experiments. Morphology, surface area, size distribution and swelling capacity of carriers were investigated. We created complexes with two APIs, curcumin and estradiol, and applied powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) to prove the complexation. Finally, the dissolution, biocompatibility and permeation of APIs on Caco-2 cells were investigated. The size of the beads was larger than 100 µm, their shape was spherical and surfaces were smooth; while the βCDPIS particles were around 4 µm with irregular shape and surface. None of the polymers showed any cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cells. Both carriers were able to extract curcumin and estradiol from aqueous solutions, and the dissolution test showed prolonged estradiol release. Caco-2 permeability tests were in accordance with the complexation abilities and dissolution of the complexes. This study offers useful data for further pharmaceutical applications of insoluble cyclodextrin polymers.

Comparative bioavailability study following a single dose intravenous and buccal administration of remdesivir in rabbits

As remdesivir, the first FDA-approved drug for SARS-CoV-2 infection, can be used only for hospitalized patients due to intravenous administration, there is an urgent need of effective oral antiviral formulations to be used at early stage of infection in an outpatient setting. The present paper reports on the comparative pharmacokinetics of the electrospun nanofiber remdesivir/sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin formulation after intravenous and buccal administration. It was postulated that oral transmucosal administration avoids remdesivir from metabolic transformation and intact remdesivir can be detected in plasma, but only the active metabolite GS-441524 could be experimentally detected at a significantly lower plasma level, than that provided by the intravenous route. In buccally treated animals, the metabolite GS-441524 appeared only at 1  h after treatment, while in intravenously treated animals, GS-441524 was possible to quantify even at the first time-point of blood collection. Further optimization of formulation is required to improve pharmacokinetics of remdesivir-sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin formulation upon buccal administration.

Cyclodextrin-enabled green environmental biotechnologies

Most of the organic compounds contaminating the environment can form inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins resulting in enhanced solubility (a benefit in soil remediation) or just the opposite: reduced mobility by sorption (a benefit in wastewater treatment). Combining biotechnologies with cyclodextrin, a renewable and biodegradable material, green environmental technologies of high efficiency were developed. For instance, the cyclodextrin-enabled soil washing/flushing technologies combined with bioremediation have been demonstrated in full-scale field experiments. The efficiency of tertiary wastewater treatment by sorption of non-biodegradable xenobiotics, such as residual pharmaceutics, was proved. The biofilm formation in fouling processes can be prevented or reduced either by applying cyclodextrin-based coatings or by manipulation of quorum sensing (bacterial communication) via capturing signal molecules.

Cyclodextrin in starchy foods

Cyclodextrins are widely used in various fields including food industry. In this review, their role in high carbohydrate-containing, starchy foods are reviewed and discussed. Both the effects as functional ingredients affecting the structural properties of starch and as active ingredients slowing down starch digestion and, as a consequence, decreasing the glycaemic index of starchy foods are overviewed without considering the traditional applications as carriers and stabilisers of aroma and flavour, essential oils, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other bioactive components to enrich foods, even if they are carbohydrate foods. The effect on starch metabolism is explained by the structural transformations caused by cyclodextrins on starch amylose and amylopectin. Several examples are shown how the technological and sensorial properties of bread, rice products, pasta, and other starchy foods are modified by cyclodextrin supplementation, and how the digestibility is changed resulting in reduced glycaemic and insulinaemic effects.

Investigation of the Cellular Effects of Beta- Cyclodextrin Derivatives on Caco-2 Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Cyclodextrins are widely used excipients for increasing water-solubility, delivery and bioavailability of lipophilic drugs. By using fluorescent cyclodextrin derivatives, we showed previously that cyclodextrins are able to enter Caco-2 intestinal cells by endocytosis, but the influence of different fluorescent labeling on the same cyclodextrin derivative has not been studied. The consequences of the cellular internalization of cyclodextrins have not been revealed yet either. The aims of this study were to compare the cellular internalization of fluorescein- and rhodamine-labeled (2-hydroxypropyl)-, (HPBCD) and randommethyl-β-cyclodextrins (RAMEB) and to investigate the intracellular effects of these derivatives on Caco-2 cells. Stimulation of the NF-kappa B pathway and autophagy and localization of these derivatives in lysosomes were tested. The endocytosis of these derivatives was examined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Both fluorescein- and rhodamine-labeled derivatives entered the cells, therefore the type of the fluorescent labeling did not influence their internalization. Cyclodextrin pretreatment did not activate the translocation of the p65 subunit of the NF-kappa B heterodimer into the cell nuclei from the cytoplasm. After HPBCD or RAMEB treatment, formation of the autophagosomes did not increase compared to the control sample and at the same time these derivatives could be detected in lysosomes after internalization.

Highly Enhanced Curcumin Delivery Applying Association Type Nanostructures of Block Copolymers, Cyclodextrins and Polycyclodextrins

The limited bioavailability of the highly hydrophobic natural compound, curcumin with wide range of beneficial bioactivity is still a challenge. Self-association type systems of polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide block copolymers (Pluronic) were applied to enhance the aqueous solubility of curcumin. Comparison of four Pluronics (94, 105, 127,108) with different compositions led to the conclusion that solubilization capacity is maximum for Pluronic 105 with intermediate polarity (hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) = 15) possessing the optimum balance between capacity of hydrophobic core of the micelle and hydrophilic stabilizing shell of the associate. Curcumin concentration in aqueous solution was managed to increase 105 times up to 1-3 g/L applying Pluronic at 0.01 mol/L. Formation of a host-guest complex of cyclodextrin as another way of increasing the curcumin solubility was also tested. Comparing the(2-hydroxypropyl)-α, β and γ cyclodextrins (CD) with 6, 7 and 8 sugar units and their polymers (poly-α-CD, poly-β-CD, poly-γ-CD) the γ-CD with the largest cavity found to be the most effective in curcumin encapsulation approaching the g/L range of concentration. The polymer type of the CDs presented prolonged and pH dependent release of curcumin in the gastrointestinal (GI) system modelled by simulated liquids. This retarding effect of polyCD was also shown and can be used for tuning in the combined system of Pluronic micelle and polyCD where the curcumin release was slower than from the micelle.

Removal of hazardous micropollutants from treated wastewater using cyclodextrin bead polymer - A pilot demonstration case

Increasing amount of micropollutants such as drugs, cosmetics and nutritional supplements detected in surface waters represents increasing risk to humans and to the whole environment. These hazardous materials deriving mostly from wastewaters often cannot be effectively removed by conventional water treatment technologies due to their persistence. Some of the innovative technologies use specific sorbents for their removal. Cyclodextrin-based sorbents have already proved to be efficient in laboratory-scale experiments, but no pilot-plant scale demonstration has been performed so far. We are the first who applied this sorption-technology as a tertiary treatment in a pilot-plant scale operating, biomachine-type municipal wastewater treatment plant. As a result of the treatment 7 of 9 typical micropollutants (estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, estriol, diclofenac, ibuprofen, bisphenol A and cholesterol) were removed with >80% efficiency from effluent (reducing their concentration from ∼5 μg/L to <0.001-1 μg/L). GC-MS analysis of water samples showed that many of the micropollutants were removed from the water within a short time, demonstrating the high potential of the applied cyclodextrin-based sorbent in micropollutant removal. The effect-based testing also confirmed the efficiency. There was a correlation between sorption efficacies and binding constants of micropollutant/cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, showing that among others also inclusion complex formation of pollutants with cyclodextrin played important role in sorption mechanism.

In vivo preclinical evaluation of the new 68Ga-labeled beta-cyclodextrin in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) positive tumor model using positron emission tomography

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway plays an important role in tumor development and formation of metastases. It was earlier reported that cyclodextrin derivatives have a high affinity to form complexes with PGE2. Based on these results radiolabeled cyclodextrins - as new radiopharmaceuticals - may open a new pathway in the in vivo imaging and diagnosis of PGE2 positive tumors. The aims of this study were to synthetize the PGE2 specific ⁶⁸Ga-labeled NODAGA-randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB) and investigate its tumor-targeting properties. NODAGA-RAMEB was labeled with Gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga), and the radiochemical purity (RCP%), partition coefficient (logP values), and in vitro-in vivo stability of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB were determined. After intravenous injection of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB the accumulation in organs and tissues was monitored in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET) and ex vivo by gamma counter in BxPC-3 and PancTu-1 tumor-bearing CB17 SCID mice. The RCP% of the newly synthesized ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB was higher than 98%. The molar activity was 15.34 ± 1.93 GBq/μmol. The logP of ⁶⁸Ga labeled NODAGA-RAMEB was - 3.63 ± 0.04. Biodistribution studies showed high accumulation of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB in PGE2 positive BxPC-3 tumors; approximately 15-20-fold higher radiotracer uptake was observed, than that of the background. ⁶⁸Ga-labeled RAMEB is a promising radiotracer in PET diagnostics of PGE2 positive tumors.

Pharmacokinetic Properties of Fluorescently Labelled Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) is utilized in the formulation of pharmaceutical products and recently orphan designation was granted for the treatment of Niemann–Pick disease, type C. The exact mechanism of HPBCD action and side effects are not completely explained. We used fluorescently labelled hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (FITC-HPBCD) to study its pharmacokinetic parameters in mice and compare with native HPBCD data. We found that FITC-HPBCD has fast distribution and elimination, similar to HPBCD. Interestingly animals could be divided into two groups, where the pharmacokinetic parameters followed or did not follow the two-compartment, first-order kinetic model. Tissue distribution studies revealed, that a significant amount of FITC-HPBCD could be detected in kidneys after 60 min treatment, due to its renal excretion. Ex vivo fluorescent imaging showed that fluorescence could be measured in lung, liver, brain and spleen after 30 min of treatment. To model the interaction and cellular distribution of FITC-HPBCD in the wall of blood vessels, we treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with FITC-HPBCD and demonstrated for the first time that this compound could be detected in the cytoplasm in small vesicles after 30 min of treatment. FITC-HPBCD has similar pharmacokinetic to HPBCD and can provide new information to the detailed mechanism of action of HPBCD.

Homo- and hetero-difunctionalized β-cyclodextrins: Short direct synthesis in gram scale and analysis of regiochemistry

The regioselective difunctionalization of cyclodextrins (CDs) leading to derivatives amenable to further transformations is a daunting task due to challenging purification and unambiguous characterization of the obtained regioisomers with similar physicochemical properties. The primary-side homo-difunctionalization of β-CD can lead to three regioisomers, while the hetero-difunctionalization can generate three pairs of pseudoenantiomers. Previously, approaches with several synthetic steps, expensive reagents, high purification demands and low yields of the products have been employed. Herein we present direct, short and efficient primary-side difunctionalization strategies featuring reproducibility, ease of product purification, scalability of the reactions and versatility of the substituents introduced. Specifically, the prepared ditosylated β-CDs were separated using preparative reversed-phase column chromatography and their structures were elucidated by NMR experiments. Azidation led to the corresponding pure diazido regioisomers. Direct monotosylation of 6-monoazido-β-CD or monoazidation of the single regioisomers 6^A,6^X-ditosyl-β-CDs afforded hetero-difunctionalized 6^A-monoazido-6^X-tosyl-β-CDs in significant yields. Overall, the single regioisomers, 6^A,6^X-ditosyl-, 6^A,6^X-diazido- and 6^A-monoazido-6^X-monotosyl-β-CD were prepared in one or two steps and purified in multigram scale thus opening the way towards further selective and orthogonal functionalizations of β-CD hosts.

Cyclodextrin-Enabled Polymer Composites for Packaging †

Cyclodextrin complexes of fragrances, antimicrobial agents, dyes, insecticides, UV-filters can be incorporated into polymers (packaging films, trays, containers) either to ensure the slow release or a homogeneous distribution of the complexed substances. This way the propagation of microorganisms on surface of enwrapped products is decelerated, or the product is made more attractive by slowly released fragrances, protected against UV-light-induced deterioration, oxidation, etc. Incorporating empty cyclodextrins into the packaging material an aroma barrier packaging is produced, which decelerates the loss of the aroma from the packaged food, prevents the penetration of undesired volatile pollutants from the environment, like components of exhaust gases, cigarette smoke, and reduces the migration of plasticizers, residual solvents and monomers, etc. Applying cyclodextrins in active packaging allows to preserve the quality of food and ensures a longer shelf-life for the packaged items.

Novel β-cyclodextrin-eosin conjugates

Eosin B (EoB) and eosin Y (EoY), two xanthene dye derivatives with photosensitizing ability were prepared in high purity through an improved synthetic route. The dyes were grafted to a 6-monoamino-β-cyclodextrin scaffold under mild reaction conditions through a stable amide linkage using the coupling agent 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride. The molecular conjugates, well soluble in aqueous medium, were extensively characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Preliminary spectroscopic investigations showed that the β-cyclodextrin–EoY conjugate retains both the fluorescence properties and the capability to photogenerate singlet oxygen of the unbound chromophore. In contrast, the corresponding β-cyclodextrin–EoB conjugate did not show either relevant emission or photosensitizing activity probably due to aggregation in aqueous medium, which precludes any response to light excitation.

Cyclodextrins in Food Technology and Human Nutrition: Benefits and Limitations

Cyclodextrins are tasteless, odorless, nondigestible, noncaloric, noncariogenic saccharides, which reduce the digestion of carbohydrates and lipids. They have low glycemic index and decrease the glycemic index of the food. They are either non- or only partly digestible by the enzymes of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and fermented by the gut microflora. Based on these properties, cyclodextrins are dietary fibers useful for controlling the body weight and blood lipid profile. They are prebiotics, improve the intestinal microflora by selective proliferation of bifidobacteria. These antiobesity and anti-diabetic effects make them bioactive food supplements and nutraceuticals. In this review, these features are evaluated for α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins, which are the cyclodextrin variants approved by authorities for food applications. The mechanisms behind these effects are reviewed together with the applications as solubilizers, stabilizers of dietary lipids, such as unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and other nutraceuticals. The recent applications of cyclodextrins for reducing unwanted components, such as trans-fats, allergens, mycotoxins, acrylamides, bitter compounds, as well as in smart active packaging of foods are also overviewed.

A non-covalent "click chemistry" strategy to efficiently coat highly porous MOF nanoparticles with a stable polymeric shell

BACKGROUND

Metal-organic framework nanoparticles (nanoMOFs) are biodegradable highly porous materials with a remarkable ability to load therapeutic agents with a wide range of physico-chemical properties. Engineering the nanoMOFs surface may provide nanoparticles with higher stability, controlled release, and targeting abilities. Designing postsynthetic, non-covalent self-assembling shells for nanoMOFs is especially appealing due to their simplicity, versatility, absence of toxic byproducts and minimum impact on the original host-guest ability.

METHODS

In this study, several β-cyclodextrin-based monomers and polymers appended with mannose or rhodamine were randomly phosphorylated, and tested as self-assembling coating building blocks for iron trimesate MIL-100(Fe) nanoMOFs. The shell formation and stability were studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), spectrofluorometry and confocal imaging. The effect of the coating on tritium-labeled AZT-PT drug release was estimated by scintillation counting.

RESULTS

Shell formation was conveniently achieved by soaking the nanoparticles in self-assembling agent aqueous solutions. The grafted phosphate moieties enabled a firm anchorage of the coating to the nanoMOFs. Coating stability was directly related to the density of grafted phosphate groups, and did not alter nanoMOFs morphology or drug release kinetics.

CONCLUSION

An easy, fast and reproducible non-covalent functionalization of MIL-100(Fe) nanoMOFs surface based on the interaction between phosphate groups appended to β-cyclodextrin derivatives and iron(III) atoms is presented.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study proved that discrete and polymeric phosphate β-cyclodextrin derivatives can conform non-covalent shells on iron(III)-based nanoMOFs. The flexibility of the β-cyclodextrin to be decorated with different motifs open the way towards nanoMOFs modifications for drug delivery, catalysis, separation, imaging and sensing. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Recent Advances in Bionanomaterials" Guest Editors: Dr. Marie-Louise Saboungi and Dr. Samuel D. Bader.

Stabilization of nanosized titanium dioxide by cyclodextrin polymers and its photocatalytic effect on the degradation of wastewater pollutants

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are considered highly competitive water treatment technologies for the removal of organic pollutants. Among AOP techniques, photocatalysis has recently been the most widely studied. Our aims were to investigate how the dispersion of nanosized titanium dioxide (nanoTiO₂) applied in photodegradation-based procedures can be stabilized with cyclodextrins in order to obtain a new, more efficient photocatalyst for the purification of waters polluted by xenobiotics applying UV irradiation. During our work, on the one hand, we studied the behavior and stability of nanoTiO₂ in cyclodextrin solutions. On the other hand, we used various monomer and polymer cyclodextrin derivatives, and assessed the options for nanoTiO₂ stabilization in the presence of various salts and tap water on the basis of turbidity tests. The physical stability of nanoTiO₂ dispersions is diminished in the presence of the salts found in tap water (and occurring also in surface waters and ground water) and they are precipitated immediately. This colloidal instability can be improved by cyclodextrin derivatives. Based on the results of our studies we have selected carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin polymer (CMBCD-P) for stabilization of nanoTiO₂ dispersions. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and ibuprofen as model organic pollutants in various media (distilled water, NaCl solution and tap water) has been studied using nanoTiO₂ as catalyst stabilized by CMBCD-P. CMBCD-P itself showed a catalytic effect on the UV degradation of methylene blue. In addition to enhancing the colloid stability of nanoTiO₂ CMBCD-P showed also synergistic effects in catalyzing the photodecomposition process of the dye. On the other hand, ibuprofen as a model pharmaceutical, a pollutant of emerging concern (EP), was protected by CMBCD-P against the photocatalytic degradation showing that inclusion complex formation can result in opposite effects depending on the structure of the host–guest complex.

"Back to the Future": A New Look at Hydroxypropyl Beta-Cyclodextrins

Since the discovery about 30 years ago (2-hydroxypropyl) beta-cyclodextrin, a highly soluble derivative of beta-cyclodextrin, has become an approved excipient of drug formulations included both in the United States and European Pharmacopoeias. It is recommended to use as solubilizer and stabilizer for oral and parenteral formulations. Recently, its pharmacological activity has been recognized in various diseases. The increasing applications require a closer look to the structure-activity relationship. As (2-hydroxypropyl) beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) is always a mixture of isomers with various degrees and pattern of hydroxypropylation, no wonder that the products of different manufacturers are often different. Several HPBCDs were compared applying a battery of analytical tools including thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), HPLC-mass spectrometry (MS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption MS. We studied how the average degree of substitution affects the aggregation behavior, the toxicity, and the solubilizing effect on poorly soluble drugs. We found that the products with low average degree of substitution are more prone to aggregation. The samples studied are nontoxic to Caco-2 cells and have low hemolytic activity. The solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs decreases or increases with increasing degree of substitution or shows a maximum curve depending on the properties of the guest.

Effect of cyclodextrins on the degradation rate of benzylpenicillin

The effect of cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes on the degradation of benzylpenicillin in aqueous solutions was investigated at several different pH values and 37°C. The effects of neutral as well as both positively and negatively charged CDs were evaluated; all together 13 different CDs. Kinetic studies with HPβCD and RMβCD at pH ranging from 1.2 to 9.6 showed that CDs have stabilizing effect on the β-lactam ring in aqueous acidic media but generally accelerated the hydrolytic cleavage of the β-lactam ring in neutral and basic media. At physiologic pH (pH 7.4) quaternary ammonium CD derivatives (i.e., positively charged CD derivatives) have the highest catalytic effect, resulting in 6- to 18-fold enhancement of hydrolysis rate, while both the neutral methylated CDs had much less effect, resulting in 2- to 3-fold enhancement, and the negatively charged CD derivatives, resulting in only about 1.1- to 1.2-fold enhancement in the hydrolytic cleavage of the β-lactam ring. Addition of water-soluble polymers to the aqueous reaction media containing CDs was shown to decrease the catalyzing effects of CDs on the β-lactam hydrolysis.

Reprint of "Characterization of cyclodextrin containing nanofilters for removal of pharmaceutical residues"

Due to the increasing amount of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in general and pharmaceutical residues in particular in municipal wastewater, the efficiency of water treatment technologies should be improved. Following the biological treatment of wastewater nanofiltration offers a possible way for the removal of POPs. In this study β-cyclodextrin containing nanofilters having different chemical composition and thickness (1.5-3.5 mm) were investigated. For their characterization, their adsorption capacity was determined applying ibuprofen containing model solution and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. It could be established that the regeneration of nanofilters with ethanol and the application of inorganic additives (NaCl, NaHCO3, NH4HCO3) increased the adsorption capacity of nanofilters. The best results were achieved with chemical composition of 30 m/m% β-cyclodextrin polymer beads and 70 m/m% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in the presence of 1 2mmol ammonium hydrogen carbonate/nanofilter.

Effects of RAMEA-complexed polyunsaturated fatty acids on the response of human dendritic cells to inflammatory signals

The n-3 fatty acids are not produced by mammals, although they are essential for hormone synthesis and maintenance of cell membrane structure and integrity. They have recently been shown to inhibit inflammatory reactions and also emerged as potential treatment options for inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. Dendritic cells (DC) play a central role in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity and upon inflammatory signals they produce various soluble factors among them cytokines and chemokines that act as inflammatory or regulatory mediators. In this study we monitored the effects of α-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid solubilized in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/ethanol 1:1 mixture or as complexed by randomly methylated α-cyclodextrin (RAMEA) on the inflammatory response of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC). The use of RAMEA for enhancing aqueous solubility of n-3 fatty acids has the unambiguous advantage over applying RAMEB (the β-cyclodextrin analog), since there is no interaction with cell membrane cholesterol. In vitro differentiated moDC were left untreated or were stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, mimicking bacterial and viral infections, respectively. The response of unstimulated and activated moDC to n-3 fatty acid treatment was tested by measuring the cell surface expression of CD1a used as a phenotypic and CD83 as an activation marker of inflammatory moDC differentiation and activation by using flow cytometry. Monocyte-derived DC activation was also monitored by the secretion level of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12, respectively. We found that RAMEA-complexed n-3 fatty acids reduced the expression of CD1a protein in both LPS and Poly(I:C) stimulated moDC significantly, but most efficiently by eicosapentaenic acid, while no significant change in the expression of CD83 protein was observed. The production of IL-6 by LPS-activated moDC was also reduced significantly when eicosapentaenic acid was added as a RAMEA complex as compared to its DMSO-solubilized form or to the other two n-3 fatty acids either complexed or not. Based on these results n-3 fatty acids solubilized by RAMEA provide with a new tool for optimizing the anti-inflammatory effects of n-3 fatty acids exerted on human moDC and mediated through the GP120 receptor without interfering with the cell membrane structure.

Synthetic strategies for the fluorescent labeling of epichlorohydrin-branched cyclodextrin polymers

The fluorescent tagging of cyclodextrin derivatives enlarges their spectroscopic properties thus generating chemosensors, biological tools for visualization and sophisticated photoresponsive devices. Cyclodextrin polymers, due to the cooperative interactions, exhibit additional properties compared to their monomeric counterpart. These macromolecules can be prepared either in well water-soluble form or as gels of high swelling. Two versatile synthetic strategies for introducing a fluorescent tag (rhodamine, fluorescein, nitrobenzofuran or coumarin) into the water-soluble epichlorohydrin branched cyclodextrin polymers were worked out and compared. The fluorescent labeling was realized in three steps: 1) building in azido moieties, 2) transforming the azido groups into amino groups and 3) coupling the proper fluorescent compound to the amino groups. The other strategy started by functionalization of the monomer prior to the branching. Either the fluorescent-labeled monomer or the intermediate azido derivative of the monomer was branched. Further tuning of the properties of the polymer was achieved via branching of the methylated cyclodextrin derivative. The key intermediates and the fluorescent final products were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and capillary electrophoresis. The applied synthetic routes were evaluated based on the molecular weight, cyclodextrin content of the products and the efficiency of labeling.

Cyclodextrins, blood-brain barrier, and treatment of neurological diseases

Biological barriers are the main defense systems of the homeostasis of the organism and protected organs. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by the endothelial cells of brain capillaries, not only provides nutrients and protection to the central nervous system but also restricts the entry of drugs, emphasizing its importance in the treatment of neurological diseases. Cyclodextrins are increasingly used in human pharmacotherapy. Due to their favorable profile to form hydrophilic inclusion complexes with poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients, they are present as excipients in many marketed drugs. Application of cyclodextrins is widespread in formulations for oral, parenteral, nasal, pulmonary, and skin delivery of drugs. Experimental and clinical data suggest that cyclodextrins can be used not only as excipients for centrally acting marketed drugs like antiepileptics, but also as active pharmaceutical ingredients to treat neurological diseases. Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin received orphan drug designation for the treatment of Niemann-Pick type C disease. In addition to this rare lysosomal storage disease with neurological symptoms, experimental research revealed the potential therapeutic use of cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin nanoparticles in neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, neuroinfections and brain tumors. In this context, the biological effects of cyclodextrins, their interaction with plasma membranes and extraction of different lipids are highly relevant at the level of the BBB.

Synthesis of modified cyclic and acyclic dextrins and comparison of their complexation ability

We compared the complex forming ability of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD) with their open ring analogs. In addition to the native cyclodextrins also modified cyclodextrins and the corresponding maltooligomers, functionalized with neutral 2-hydroxypropyl moieties, were synthesized. A new synthetic route was worked out via bromination, benzylation, deacetylation and debenzylation to obtain the 2-hydroxypropyl maltooligomer counterparts. The complexation properties of non-modified and modified cyclic and acyclic dextrins were studied and compared by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) using model guest compounds. In some cases cyclodextrins and their open-ring analogs (acyclodextrins) show similar complexation abilities, while with other guests considerably different behavior was observed depending on the molecular dimensions and chemical characteristics of the guests. This was explained by the enhanced flexibility of the non-closed rings. Even the signs of enantiorecognition were observed for the chloropheniramine/hydroxypropyl maltohexaose system. Further studies are planned to help the deeper understanding of the interactions.

Removal of emerging micropollutants from water using cyclodextrin

Small scale laboratory experiment series were performed to study the suitability of a cyclodextrin-based sorbent (ß-cyclodextrin bead polymer, BCDP) for modelling the removal of micropollutants from drinking water and purified waste water using simulated inflow test solutions containing target analytes (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, bisphenol-A, diclofenac, β-estradiol, ethinylestradiol, estriol, cholesterol at 2-6 μg/L level). This work was focused on the preliminary evaluation of BCDP as a sorbent in two different model systems (filtration and fluidization) applied for risk reduction of emerging micropollutants. For comparison different filter systems combined with various sorbents (commercial filter and activated carbon) were applied and evaluated in the filtration experiment series. The spiked test solution (inflow) and the treated outflows were characterized by an integrated methodology including chemical analytical methods gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and various environmental toxicity tests to determine the efficiency and selectivity of the applied sorbents. Under experimental conditions the cyclodextrin-based filters used for purification of drinking water in most cases were able to absorb more than 90% of the bisphenol-A and of the estrogenic compounds. Both the analytical chemistry and toxicity results showed efficient elimination of these pollutants. Especially the toxicity of the filtrate decreased considerably. Laboratory experiment modelling post-purification of waste water was also performed applying fluidization technology by ß-cyclodextrin bead polymer. The BCDP removed efficiently from the spiked test solution most of the micropollutants, especially the bisphenol-A (94%) and the hormones (87-99%) The results confirmed that the BCDP-containing sorbents provide a good solution to water quality problems and they are able to decrease the load and risk posed by micropollutants to the water systems.

Characterization of cyclodextrin containing nanofilters for removal of pharmaceutical residues

Due to the increasing amount of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in general and pharmaceutical residues in particular in municipal wastewater, the efficiency of water treatment technologies should be improved. Following the biological treatment of wastewater nanofiltration offers a possible way for the removal of POPs. In this study β-cyclodextrin containing nanofilters having different chemical composition and thickness (1.5-3.5mm) were investigated. For their characterization, their adsorption capacity was determined applying ibuprofen containing model solution and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. It could be established that the regeneration of nanofilters with ethanol and the application of inorganic additives (NaCl, NaHCO3, NH4HCO3) increased the adsorption capacity of nanofilters. The best results were achieved with chemical composition of 30m/m% β-cyclodextrin polymer beads and 70m/m% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in the presence of 12mmol ammonium hydrogen carbonate/nanofilter.

Fluorescently labeled methyl-beta-cyclodextrin enters intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells by fluid-phase endocytosis

Cyclodextrins are widely used excipients for increasing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Their effect on drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is explained by their solubility- and permeability-enhancement. The aims of this study were to investigate penetration properties of fluorescently labeled randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrin (FITC-RAMEB) on Caco-2 cell layer and examine the cellular entry of cyclodextrins on intestinal cells. The permeability of FITC-RAMEB through Caco-2 monolayers was very limited. Using this compound in 0.05 mM concentration the permeability coefficient was 3.35±1.29×10(-8) cm/s and its permeability did not change in the presence of 5 mM randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrin. Despite of the low permeability, cellular accumulation of FITC-RAMEB in cytoplasmic vesicles was significant and showed strong time and concentration dependence, similar to the characteristics of the macropinocytosis marker Lucifer Yellow. The internalization process was fully inhibited at 0°C and it was drastically reduced at 37°C applying rottlerin, an inhibitor of macropinocytosis. Notably, FITC-RAMEB colocalized with the early endosome organizer Rab5a. These results have revealed that FITC-RAMEB is able to enter intestinal epithelial cells by fluid-phase endocytosis from the apical side. This mechanism can be an additional process which helps to overcome the intestinal barrier and contributes to the bioavailability enhancement of cyclodextrins.