A physicochemical, thermodynamical, structural and computational evaluation of kynurenic acid/cyclodextrin complexes

Synthesis, (bio)degradation, and utilization of starch-derived biopolymers in defined hard waters

Climate change is causing a change in local rainfall, which generally brings with it a reduction in rainfall and, consequently, an increase in water hardness. This study explores the suitability and stability of various dextrin-derived polymers for cation removal in simulated hard water conditions. Thermal analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirm the polymers' thermal stability and proper formation. Biodegradability assessments reveal KLEPTOSE®LINECAPS (LC) and GLUCIDEX2® (Glu2) dextrin with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) derivatives have higher durability as they were able to endure enzymatic activity. Adsorption experiments at 300 and 600 ppm indicate significant variations influenced by monomer and crosslinker types, with linear monomers demonstrating superior performance. Notably, different crosslinkers exhibit varying affinities for calcium and magnesium ions, with PMDA derivatives excelling for magnesium and citric acid (CA) derivatives for calcium. Kinetic and isotherm studies reveal a favorable trend towards quasi-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models, attributed to cavity heterogeneity and diverse attachment points as evidenced in existing literature. These findings suggest promising applications for these polymers, traditionally employed for organic contaminant removal, as additional filters to mitigate water hardness.

Significantly improving the solubility and anti-inflammatory activity of fenofibric acid with native and methyl-substituted beta-cyclodextrins via complexation

The solubility of commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs has become a significant concern in contemporary medicine. Furthermore, inflammatory arthritis stands out as the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease globally. The disease's pathology is characterized by heightened inflammation and oxidative stress, culminating in chronic pain and the loss of joint functionality. Fenofibric acid (FFA) exhibits notable anti-inflammatory potential. This research assesses the anti-inflammatory effects of FFA, both in its standalone form and as inclusion complexes (ICs) with β-cyclodextrin and its methyl derivatives. FFA is encapsulated within the cavities of cyclodextrins (CDs), a fact confirmed by spectral changes observed in FFA. Distinct rock and seed-like morphologies are apparent for FFA with CDs, indicating that the CDs have influenced the surface of the guest. The introduction of CDs significantly enhances the thermal stability of FFA. ICs demonstrate superior results in inflammation activity compared to FFA alone. The efficacy of FFA complexed with CDs in mitigating inflammation positions it as a promising new drug. Additionally, our findings reveal that incorporating FFA into the CD cavity as a drug release system enhances the pharmacological profile of this substance, FFA.

Inclusion Complexes of Ethanamizuril with β- and Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution and in Solid State: A Comparison Study

Ethanamizuril (EZL) is a new anticoccidial drug developed by our Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute. Since EZL is almost insoluble in water, we conducted a study to improve the solubility of EZL by forming inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). In this study, we performed molecular docking and then systematically compared the interactions of EZL with β-CD and HP-β-CD in both aqueous solution and the solid state, aiming to elucidate the solubilization effect and mechanism of cyclodextrins (CDs). The interactions were also examined in the solid state using DSC, PXRD, and FT-IR. The interactions of EZL with CDs in an aqueous solution were investigated using PSA, UV-vis spectroscopy, MS, 1H NMR, and 2D ROESY. The results of phase solubility experiments revealed that both β-CD and HP-β-CD formed inclusion complexes with EZL in a 1:1 molar ratio. Among them, HP-β-CD exhibited higher Kf (stability constant) and CE (complexation efficiency) values as well as a stronger solubilization effect. Furthermore, the two cyclodextrins were found to interact with EZL in a similar manner. The results of our FT-IR and 2D ROESY experiments are in agreement with the theoretical results derived from molecular simulations. These results indicated that intermolecular hydrogen bonds existing between the C=O group on the triazine ring of EZL and the O-H group of CDs, as well as the hydrophobic interactions between the hydrogen on the benzene ring of EZL and the hydrogen of CDs, played crucial roles in the formation of EZL/CD inclusion complexes. The results of this study can lay the foundation for the future development of high-concentration drinking water delivery formulations for EZL.

Oral supplementation of solvent-free kynurenic acid/cyclodextrin nanosponges complexes increased its bioavailability

Many nutraceuticals present problems due to their poor water solubility or stability, which prevents the final bioactivity achievement. For that reason, the oral administration of KYNA complexed with HPβ-CD and βNS-CDI nanosponges was evaluated in mice. The solvent-free technology was used to prepare the complexes in a complete comparison between kneading in ball milling and classical inclusion complex preparation. The solvent-free ones showed higher strength and efficiency with ball milling, considerably reducing time. A 50 mg KYNA/kg/day dosage was orally administered in formulations showing a higher bioavailability when the nutraceutical was complexed with βNS-CDI compared to HPβ-CD and free KYNA, respectively. Several antioxidant statuses demonstrated a higher global antioxidant level perfectly related to bioavailability. Finally, the formulation of KYNA reduced the temporal oxidative stress damage in the kidney and liver, making βNS-CDI the best formulation. These results suggest an important future application of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for the oral delivery of nutraceuticals and their stabilization.

Fabrication and Characterization of β-Cyclodextrin/Mosla Chinensis Essential Oil Inclusion Complexes: Experimental Design and Molecular Modeling

Essential oils (EOs) are primarily isolated from medicinal plants and possess various biological properties. However, their low water solubility and volatility substantially limit their application potential. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to improve the solubility and stability of the Mosla Chinensis (M. Chinensis) EO by forming an inclusion complex (IC) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Furthermore, the IC formation process was investigated using experimental techniques and molecular modeling. The major components of M. Chinensis 'Jiangxiangru' EOs were carvacrol, thymol, o-cymene, and terpinene, and its IC with β-CD were prepared using the ultrasonication method. Multivariable optimization was studied using a Plackett-Burman design (step 1, identifying key parameters) followed by a central composite design for optimization of the parameters (step 2, optimizing the key parameters). SEM, FT-IR, TGA, and dissolution experiments were performed to analyze the physicochemical properties of the ICs. In addition, the interaction between EO and β-CD was further investigated using phase solubility, molecular docking, and molecular simulation studies. The results showed that the optimal encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of EO in the ICs were 86.17% and 8.92%, respectively. Results of physicochemical properties were different after being encapsulated, indicating that the ICs had been successfully fabricated. Additionally, molecular docking and dynamics simulation showed that β-CD could encapsulate the EO component (carvacrol) via noncovalent interactions. In conclusion, a comprehensive methodology was developed for determining key parameters under multivariate conditions by utilizing two-step optimization experiments to obtain ICs of EO with β-CD. Furthermore, molecular modeling was used to study the mechanisms involved in molecular inclusion complexation.

Hyper-Branched Cyclodextrin-Based Polymers as Anticoagulant Agents: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

This study tested the anticoagulant effect of cyclodextrin (CD) hyper-branched-based polymers (HBCD-Pols). These polymers were synthesized and tested for their coagulant characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Due to their polymeric structure and anionic nature, the polymers can chelate Ca²⁺, reducing the free quantity in blood. HBCD-Pol increased the blood clotting time, PT, and aPTT 3.5 times over the control, showing a better effect than even ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), as occured with recalcification time as well. A titration of HBCD-Pol and EDTA showed exciting differences in the ability to complex Ca²⁺ between both materials. Before executing in vivo studies, a hemocompatibility study was carried out with less than 5% red blood cell hemolysis. The fibrinogen consumption and bleeding time were analyzed in vivo. The fibrinogen was considerably decreased in the presence of HBCD-Pol in a higher grade than EDTA, while the bleeding time was longer with HBCD-Pols. The results demonstrate that the anticoagulant effect of this HBCD-Pol opens novel therapy possibilities due to the possible transport of drugs in this carrier. This would give combinatorial effects and a potential novel anticoagulant therapy with HBCD-Pol per se.

Entropy Effects in Intermolecular Associations of Crown-Ethers and Cyclodextrins with Amino Acids in Aqueous and in Non-Aqueous Media

The analysis of the ratios of entropy and enthalpy characteristics and their contributions to the change in the Gibbs energy of intermolecular interactions of crown ethers and cyclodextrins with amino acids is carried out. Two different types of macrocycles were chosen for examination: crown ethers with a hydrophilic interior and cyclodextrins with a hydrophobic inner cavity and a hydrophilic exterior. The thermodynamics of complex formation of crown ethers and cyclodextrins with amino acids in water and aqueous-organic solvents of variable composition was examined. The contributions of the entropy solvation of complexes of 18-crown-6 with glycine, alanine, phenylalanine to the change in the entropy of complexation in water-ethanol and water-dimethyl sulfoxide solvents was calculated and analyzed. It was found that the ratios of the entropy and enthalpy solvation of the reagents for these systems have similar trends when moving from water to aqueous-organic mixtures. The relationship between the thermodynamic characteristics and structural features of the complexation processes between cyclodextrins and amino acids has been established. The thermodynamic enthalpy–entropy compensation effect was revealed, and its features for complexation of cyclodextrins and 18-crown-6 were considered. It was concluded that, based on the thermodynamic parameters of molecular complexation, one could judge the mode of the formation of complexes, the main driving forces of the interactions, and the degree of desolvation.

Advances and Classification of Cyclodextrin-Based Polymers for Food-Related Issues

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a good alternative to reduce or enhance different biomolecule characteristics and have demonstrated great results in food science. However, CDs present intrinsic limitations that can be solved by derivative synthesis. This review represents a survey of the state of the art of CD-based materials and their uses in food science. A deep review of the structure is carried out and different groups for ordination are suggested. After that, different applications such as cholesterol complexation or its use as sensors are reviewed. The derivatives show novel and promising activities for the industry. A critical perspective of the materials suggests that they might not present toxicity, although more studies are required. These points suggest that the research in this field will be increased in the following years.

Cyclodextrins as Anti-inflammatory Agents: Basis, Drugs and Perspectives

Inflammation is a biological response of the immune system to harmful stimuli. Importantly, inflammation is also a hallmark of several human diseases such as cancer or diabetes. Novel drugs to treat this response are constantly researched, but the formulation is usually forgotten. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a well-known excipient for complexing and drug delivery. Anti-inflammatory drugs and bioactive compounds with similar activities have been favored from these CD processes. CDs also illustrate anti-inflammatory activity per se. This review tried to describe the capacities of CDs in this field, and is divided into two parts: Firstly, a short description of the inflammation disease (causes, symptoms, treatment) is explained; secondly, the effects of different CDs alone or forming inclusion complexes with drugs or bioactive compounds are discussed.

Rational formulation engineering of fraxinellone utilizing 6-O-α-D-maltosyl-β-cyclodextrin for enhanced oral bioavailability and hepatic fibrosis therapy

Although Fraxinellone (Frax) isolated from Dictamnus albus L. possessed excellent anti-hepatic fibrosis activity, oral administration of Frax suffered from the inefficient therapeutic outcome in vivo due to negligible oral absorption. At present, the oral formulation of Frax is rarely exploited. For rational formulation design, we evaluated preabsorption risks of Frax and found that Frax was rather stable while poorly dissolved in the gastrointestinal tract (78.88 μg/mL), which predominantly limited its oral absorption. Further solubility test revealed the outstanding capacity of cyclodextrin derivatives (CDs) to solubilize Frax (6.8-12.8 mg/mL). This led us to study the inclusion complexes of Frax with a series of CDs and holistically explore their drug delivery performance. Characterization techniques involving ¹H-NMR, FT-IR, DSC, PXRD, and molecular docking confirmed the most stable binding interactions when Frax complexed with 6-O-α-D-maltosyl-β-cyclodextrin (G₂-β-CD-Frax). Notably, G₂-β-CD-Frax exhibited the highest solubilizing capacity, fast dissolution rate, and superior Caco-2 cell internalization with no obvious toxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated markedly higher oral bioavailability of G₂-β-CD-Frax (5.8-fold that of free drug) than other Frax-CDs. Further, long-term administration of G₂-β-CD-Frax (5 mg/kg) efficiently inhibited CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in the mouse without inducing any toxicity. Our results will inspire the continued advancement of optimal oral Frax formulations for anti-fibrotic therapy.

Cyclodextrin Monomers and Polymers for Drug Activity Enhancement

Cyclodextrins (CDs) and cyclodextrin (CD)-based polymers are well-known complexing agents. One of their distinctive features is to increase the quantity of a drug in a solution or improve its delivery. However, in certain instances, the activity of the solutions is increased not only due to the increase of the drug dose but also due to the drug complexation. Based on numerous studies reviewed, the drug appeared more active in a complex form. This review aims to summarize the performance of CDs and CD-based polymers as activity enhancers. Accordingly, the review is divided into two parts, i.e., the effect of CDs as active drugs and as enhancers in antimicrobials, antivirals, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neuroprotective agents, and antioxidants.