Protein stabilization by cyclodextrins in the liquid and dried state

A DFT study of infrared spectra and Monte Carlo predictions of the solvation shell of Praziquantel and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in liquid water

In this paper, we report a theoretical study of the inclusion complexes of Praziquantel (PZQ) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in liquid water. The starting geometry has been carried out by molecular mechanics simulations, and afterwards optimized in B3LYP level with a 6-311G(d) basis set. Monte Carlo simulations have been used to calculate the solvation shell of the PZQ/β-CD inclusion complexes. Moreover, the vibrational frequencies and the infrared intensities for the PZQ/β-CD complex were computed using the B3LYP method. It is demonstrated that this combined model can yield well-converged thermodynamic data even for a modest number of sample configurations, which makes the methodology particularly adequate for understanding the solute-solvent interaction used for generating the liquid structures of one solute surrounded by solvent molecules. The complex solvation shell showed an increase of the water molecule level in relation to the isolated PZQ molecule because of the hydrophilic effect of the CD molecule. The infrared spectra showed that the contribution that originated in the PZQ molecule was not predominant in the upper-wave number region in the drug/β-CD. The movement that purely originated in the PZQ molecule was localized in the absorption band, ranging from 1328 to 1688cm(-1).

Preparation, characterisation and antitumour activity of β-, γ- and HP-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of oxaliplatin

Three water-soluble oxaliplatin complexes were prepared by inclusion complexation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), γ-CD and HP-β-CD. The structures of oxaliplatin/CDs were confirmed by NMR, FTIR, TGA, XRD as well as SEM analysis. The results show that the water solubility of oxaliplatin was increased in the complex with CDs in 1:1 stoichiometry inclusion modes, and the cyclohexane ring of oxaliplatin molecule was deeply inserted into the cavity of CDs. Moreover, the stoichiometry was established by a Job plot and the water stability constant (Kc) of oxaliplatin/CDs was calculated by phase solubility studies, all results show that the oxaliplatin/β-CD complex is more stable than free oxaliplatin, oxaliplatin/HP-β-CD and oxaliplatin/γ-CD. Meanwhile, the inclusion complexes displayed almost twice as high cytotoxicity compared to free oxaliplatin against HCT116 and MCF-7 cells. This satisfactory water solubility and higher cytotoxic activity of the oxaliplatin/CD complexes will potentially be useful for their application in anti-tumour therapy.

The effect of freeze-dried antibody concentrations on its stability in the presence of trehalose and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: a Box-Behnken statistical design

The present study aimed at preparation and optimization of stable freeze-dried immunoglobulin G (IgG) applying proper amount of antibody with efficient combination of trehalose and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). Response surface methodology was employed through a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. Amounts of IgG (X₁), trehalose (X₂) and HPβCD (X₃) were independent variables. Aggregation following process (Y₁), after one month at 45 °C (Y₂), upon two month at 45 °C (Y₃) and beta-sheet content of IgG (Y₄) were determined as dependent variables. Results were fitted to quadratic models (except for beta-sheet content), describing the inherent relationship between main factors. Optimized formulation composed of 55.85 mg IgG, 52.51 mg trehalose and 16.01 mg HPβCD was prepared. The calculated responses of the optimized formulation were as follows: Y₁ = 0.19%, Y₂ = 0.78%, Y₃ = 1.88% and Y₄ = 68.60%, respectively. The thermal analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of optimum formulation and the integrity of IgG was shown to be favorably preserved. Validation of the optimization study demonstrated high degree of prognostic ability. The DOE study successfully predicted the optimum values of antibody as well as stabilizers for desirable process and storage stabilization of freeze-dried IgG.

Insert engineering and solubility screening improves recovery of virus-like particle subunits displaying hydrophobic epitopes

The Polyomavirus coat protein, VP1 has been developed as an epitope presentation system able to provoke humoral immunity against a variety of pathogens, such as Influenza and Group A Streptococcus. The ability of the system to carry cytotoxic T cell epitopes on a surface-exposed loop and the impact on protein solubility has not been examined. Four variations of three selected epitopes were cloned into surface-exposed loops of VP1, and expressed in Escherichia coli. VP1 pentamers, also known as capsomeres, were purified via a glutathione-S-transferase tag. Size exclusion chromatography indicated severe aggregation of the recombinant VP1 during enzymatic tag removal resulting from the introduction the hydrophobic epitopes. Inserts were modified to possess double aspartic acid residues at each end of the hydrophobic epitopes and a high-throughput buffer condition screen was implemented with protein aggregation monitored during tag removal by spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering. These analyses showed that the insertion of charged residues at the extremities of epitopes could improve solubility of capsomeres and revealed multiple windows of opportunity for further condition optimization. A combination of epitope design, pH optimization, and the additive l-arginine permitted the recovery of soluble VP1 pentamers presenting hydrophobic epitopes and their subsequent assembly into virus-like particles.

Structural and functional stabilization of protein entities: state-of-the-art

Within the context of biomedicine and pharmaceutical sciences, the issue of (therapeutic) protein stabilization assumes particular relevance. Stabilization of protein and protein-like molecules translates into preservation of both structure and functionality during storage and/or targeting, and such stabilization is mostly attained through establishment of a thermodynamic equilibrium with the (micro)environment. The basic thermodynamic principles that govern protein structural transitions and the interactions of the protein molecule with its (micro)environment are, therefore, tackled in a systematic fashion. Highlights are given to the major classes of (bio)therapeutic molecules, viz. enzymes, recombinant proteins, (macro)peptides, (monoclonal) antibodies and bacteriophages. Modification of the microenvironment of the biomolecule via multipoint covalent attachment onto a solid surface followed by hydrophilic polymer co-immobilization, or physical containment within nanocarriers, are some of the (latest) strategies discussed aiming at full structural and functional stabilization of said biomolecules.

Tuning of protein-surfactant interaction to modify the resultant structure

Small-angle neutron scattering and dynamic light scattering studies have been carried out to examine the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein with different surfactants under varying solution conditions. We show that the interaction of anionic BSA protein (pH7) with surfactant and the resultant structure are strongly modified by the charge head group of the surfactant, ionic strength of the solution, and mixed surfactants. The protein-surfactant interaction is maximum when two components are oppositely charged, followed by components being similarly charged through the site-specific binding, and no interaction in the case of a nonionic surfactant. This interaction of protein with ionic surfactants is characterized by the fractal structure representing a bead-necklace structure of micellelike clusters adsorbed along the unfolded protein chain. The interaction is enhanced with ionic strength only in the case of site-specific binding of an anionic surfactant with an anionic protein, whereas it is almost unchanged for other complexes of cationic and nonionic surfactants with anionic proteins. Interestingly, the interaction of BSA protein with ionic surfactants is significantly suppressed in the presence of nonionic surfactant. These results with mixed surfactants thus can be used to fold back the unfolded protein as well as to prevent surfactant-induced protein unfolding. For different solution conditions, the results are interpreted in terms of a change in fractal dimension, the overall size of the protein-surfactant complex, and the number of micelles attached to the protein. The interplay of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions is found to govern the resultant structure of complexes.

Bordonein-L, a new L-amino acid oxidase from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom: isolation, preliminary characterization and enzyme stability

Background

Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (CdtV) is one of the most studied snake venoms in Brazil. Despite presenting several well known proteins, its L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) has not been studied previously. This study aimed to isolate, characterize and evaluate the enzyme stability of bordonein-L, an LAAO from CdtV.

Methods

The enzyme was isolated through cation exchange, gel filtration and affinity chromatography, followed by a reversed-phase fast protein liquid chromatography to confirm its purity. Subsequently, its N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined by Edman degradation. The enzyme activity and stability were evaluated by a microplate colorimetric assay and the molecular mass was estimated by SDS-PAGE using periodic acid-Schiff staining and determined by mass spectrometry.

Results

The first 39 N-terminal amino acid residues exhibited high identity with other snake venom L-amino acid oxidases. Bordonein-L is a homodimer glycoprotein of approximately 101 kDa evaluated by gel filtration. Its monomer presents around 53 kDa estimated by SDS-PAGE and 58,702 Da determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at pH 7.0 and lost about 50 % of its activity after five days of storage at 4 °C. Bordonein-L’s activity was higher than the control when stored in 2.8 % mannitol or 8.5 % sucrose.

Conclusions

This research is pioneering in its isolation, characterization and enzyme stability evaluation of an LAAO from CdtV, denominated bordonein-L. These results are important because they increase the knowledge about stabilization of LAAOs, aiming to increase their shelf life. Since the maintenance of enzymatic activity after long periods of storage is essential to enable their biotechnological use as well as their functional studies.

Determining the Binding Sites of β-Cyclodextrin and Peptides by Electron-Capture Dissociation High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a group of cyclic oligosaccharides, which readily form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds to increase bioavailability, thus making CDs ideal drug excipients. Recent studies have also shown that CDs exhibit a wide range of protective effects, preventing proteins from aggregation, degradation, and folding. These effects strongly depend on the binding sites on the protein surface. CDs only exhibit weak interactions with amino acids, however; conventional analytical techniques therefore usually fail to reveal the exact location of the binding sites. Moreover, some studies even suggest that CD inclusion complexes are merely electrostatic adducts. Here, electron capture dissociation (ECD) was applied in this proof-of-concept study to examine the exact nature of the CD/peptide complexes, and CD binding sites were unambiguously located for the first time via Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) tandem mass spectrometry.

Recent progress in biomedical applications of Pluronic (PF127): Pharmaceutical perspectives

Most of the administered anti-cancer drugs are hydrophobic in nature and are known to have poor water solubility, short residence time, rapid clearance from the body and systemic side effects. Polymeric-based targeted particulate carrier system has shown to directly deliver the encapsulated anti-cancer drug to the desired site of action and prevent the interaction of encapsulated drug with the normal cells. Pluronic F127 (PF127) has been widely investigated for its broad-range of therodiagnostic applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, but rapid dissolution in the physiological fluids, short residence time, rapid clearance, and weak mechanical strength are the main shortcomings that are associated with PF127 and have recently been overcome by making various modifications in the structure of PF127 notably through preparation of PF127-based mixed polymeric micelles, PF127-conjugated nanoparticles and PF127-based hydrophobically modified thermogels. In this article, we have briefly discussed the recent studies that have been conducted on various anti-cancer drugs using PF127 as nano-carrier modified with other copolymers and/or conjugated with magnetic nanoparticles. The key findings of these studies demonstrated that the modified form of PF127 can significantly increase the stability of incorporated hydrophobic drugs with enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, the modified form of PF127 has also shown its therapeutic potentials as therodiagnostics in various types of tumors and cancers. Hence, it can be concluded that the modified form of PF127 exhibits significant therodiagnostic effects with increased tumor-specific delivery of anti-cancer drugs having minimal toxic effects as compared to PF127 alone and/or other copolymers.

Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin spikes local inflammation that induces Th2 cell and T follicular helper cell responses to the coadministered antigen

Cyclodextrins are commonly used as a safe excipient to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic pharmaceutical agents. Their efficacies and mechanisms as drug-delivery systems have been investigated for decades, but their immunological properties have not been examined. In this study, we reprofiled hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as a vaccine adjuvant and found that it acts as a potent and unique adjuvant. HP-β-CD triggered the innate immune response at the injection site, was trapped by MARCO(+) macrophages, increased Ag uptake by dendritic cells, and facilitated the generation of T follicular helper cells in the draining lymph nodes. It significantly enhanced Ag-specific Th2 and IgG Ab responses as potently as did the conventional adjuvant, aluminum salt (alum), whereas its ability to induce Ag-specific IgE was less than that of alum. At the injection site, HP-β-CD induced the temporary release of host dsDNA, a damage-associated molecular pattern. DNase-treated mice, MyD88-deficient mice, and TBK1-deficient mice showed significantly reduced Ab responses after immunization with this adjuvant. Finally, we demonstrated that HP-β-CD-adjuvanted influenza hemagglutinin split vaccine protected against a lethal challenge with a clinically isolated pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, and the adjuvant effect of HP-β-CD was demonstrated in cynomolgus macaques. Our results suggest that HP-β-CD acts as a potent MyD88- and TBK1-dependent T follicular helper cell adjuvant and is readily applicable to various vaccines.

Relationship between the initial rate of protein aggregation and the lag period for amorphous aggregation

Lag period is an inherent characteristic of the kinetic curves registered for protein aggregation. The appearance of a lag period is connected with the nucleation stage and the stages of the formation of folding or unfolding intermediates prone to aggregation (for example, the stage of protein unfolding under stress conditions). Discovering the kinetic regularities essential for elucidation of the protein aggregation mechanism comprises deducing the relationship between the lag period and aggregation rate. Fändrich proposed the following equation connecting the duration of the lag phase (tlag) and the aggregate growth rate (kg) in the amyloid fibrillation: kg=const/tlag. To establish the relationship between the initial rate of protein aggregation (v) and the lag period (t0) in the case of amorphous aggregation, the kinetics of dithithreitol-induced aggregation of holo-α-lactalbumin from bovine milk was studied (0.1M Na-phosphate buffer, pH 6.8; 37°C). The order of aggregation with respect to protein (n) was calculated from the dependence of the initial rate of protein aggregation on the α-lactalbumin concentration (n=5.3). The following equation connecting v and t0 has been proposed: v(1/n)=const/(t0-t0,lim), where t0,lim is the limiting value of t0 at high concentrations of the protein.

Peptides: β-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds as highly effective antimicrobial and anti-epithelial proliferation agents

BACKGROUND

The use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as therapeutic agents for periodontal infections has great advantages, such as broad spectrum of action, low toxicity, and limited bacterial resistance. However, their practical use is limited because of the large amount of peptide required to exercise the microbicidal function.

METHODS

LyeTxI, LL37f, and KR12 cationic peptides were prepared with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) at 1:1 molar ratios. The susceptibility of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were assessed in anaerobic conditions. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using osteoblast and Caco-2 epithelial cells, and hemolytic activity was assessed on rabbit erythrocytes at an absorbance of 414 nm. Parameters of surface roughness and electrical charge were established by atomic force microscopy and zeta (ζ) potential, respectively.

RESULTS

AMP/βCDs drastically decreased the peptide concentration required for activity against the bacteria tested. Moreover, AMPs associated with βCD were able to modify cell-surface parameters, such as roughness and ζ potential. On the other hand, AMP/βCD did not alter the degree of hemolysis induced by the pure AMPs. The effective concentration at half-maximum values of the peptides and compounds on osteoblasts were greater than the concentrations required to achieve inhibition of bacterial growth in all the species tested. AMP/βCDs inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 epithelial cells in a more efficient manner than AMPs alone.

CONCLUSION

AMP/βCD compounds more effectively inhibit periodontopathogenic bacteria than AMPs alone, with the additional ability of inhibiting the proliferation of epithelial cells at concentrations that are non-cytotoxic for osteoblasts and erythrocytes.

Cyclodextrin as membrane protectant in spray-drying and freeze-drying of PEGylated liposomes

In this study it was investigated whether hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) is able to stabilize the liposomal membranes during drying of long circulating polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated liposomes, as compared to the disaccharides trehalose and sucrose. PEGylated liposomes loaded with prednisolone disodium phosphate (PLP) were dried by spray-drying or freeze-drying. The dried powders were tested on their residual moisture content, glass transition temperature and amorphous character. Upon reconstitution the liposomal size, size distribution and drug retention were determined and the results were compared to the characteristics of the formulation solution before drying. In contrast to the disaccharides, HPβCD stabilizes the liposomal membranes of the PEGylated liposomes during the drying process of both spray drying and freeze-drying when present in a lipid:carbohydrate ratio of 1:6 (w/w). The resulting powder can be stored at room temperature. No changes in size and size distribution were seen upon reconstitution of the HPβCD containing formulations. Drying resulted in a minimal leaking of PLP from the liposomes. Its relatively high [Formula: see text] and T(g) of HPβCD, as compared to the disaccharides, make HPβCD an excellent membrane protectant for dry PEGylated liposomal formulations.