Binding and drug displacement study of colchicine and bovine serum albumin in presence of azithromycin using multispectroscopic techniques and molecular dynamic simulation

Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, chylomicron inhibition, and toxicity of colchicine in rats given low doses

Colchicine (COL) is known for its ability to inhibit the formation of intestinal chylomicrons and has been utilized as a non-surgical tool to explore drug absorption via the intestinal lymphatics. However, there is limited understanding of its pharmacokinetics and its relationship to effect and toxicity with the doses used. This study aimed to provide comprehensive COL pharmacokinetic data and correlate it with the lymphatic-blocking and toxicological effects of low-doses. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with jugular-vein cannulation (JVC) received 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg COL via oral, 0.25 mg/kg intraperitoneal, and 0.1 mg/kg intravenous routes, followed by blood and urine sampling for LC-MS/MS analysis. Effects on lipid absorption were assessed in another eight JVC rats receiving peanut oil with and without COL, followed by blood pharmacokinetic and plasma biochemistry analysis. The results revealed that COL exhibited moderate extraction ratio and high volume of distribution, with low oral bioavailability (<8%). About 20 % was recovered in the urine after parenteral dosing. Modest but significant reductions in cholesterol absorption was observed after oral doses of 0.5 mg/kg, accompanied by signs of inflammation and increased liver enzymes persisting for a week. The effect of COL on triglycerides formation was not significant. Despite its use as a non-surgical tool in rats to investigate drug absorption via the lymphatic pathway, COL demonstrated increased levels of liver function enzymes, emphasizing the need for caution and dose optimization in its utilization.

Binding and displacement study of gentamicin, 5-fluorouracil, oxytetracycline and rolitetracycline with (BSA: Drug2) complex using spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques: Biophysical approach

Understanding of energetics of interactions between drug and protein is essential in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics study. The binding affinity (K) helps in investigating how tightly or loosely drug is bound to protein. The binding, displacement, conformational change and stability study of drugs- gentamicin (GM), 5-fluorouracil (5FU), oxytetracycline (OTC) and rolitetracycline (RTC) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been carried out in presence of each other drug by fluorescence, UV-visible spectroscopy, molecular docking, circular dichroism techniques and thermal denaturation method. The site marker study and docking methods have confirmed that 5FU and GM are able to bind at site 1 and OTC and RTC at site II of BSA. The order of their binding affinities with BSA for the binary system were as GM <5FU < OTC < RTC with the order of 102 < 103 < 105 < 105-6 M-1. The displacement study has shown that higher affinity drug decreases the equilibrium constant of another drug already in bound state with BSA if both these drugs are having the same binding site. Therefore 5FU, GM (binding site 1) drugs were not able to displace OTC and RTC (binding site 2) and vice-versa as they are binding at two different sites. The binding constant values were found to be decreasing with increasing temperature for all the systems involved which suggests static or mixed type of quenching, however can only confirmed with the help of TCSPC technique. The ΔG0 (binding energy) obtained from docking method were in accordance with the ITC method. From molecular docking we have determined the amino acid residues involved in binding process for binary and ternary systems by considering first rank minimum binding energy confirmation. From CD it has been observed that RTC causes most conformational change in secondary and tertiary structure of BSA due to the presence of pyrrole ring. OTC-RTC with higher affinity showed highest melting temperature Tm values while low affinity drugs in (5FU-GM) combination showed lowest Tm value. 5FU showed large endothermic denaturation enthalpy ΔHd0 due to the presence of highly electronegative fluorine atom in the pyridine analogue.

Unraveling the interaction mechanism between orphan drug Nitisinone and bovine serum albumin through spectroscopic and in silico approaches

The interaction between Nitisinone (NTBC) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the transport protein in a circulating system was investigated for the first time utilizing various analytical (UV-Vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry) and computational (molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations) methods. The BSA fluorescence intensity was quenched upon interaction with NTBC, and the quenching mechanism was observed as static. The interaction between NTBC and BSA was examined at 288 K, 298 K, and 308 K where the binding constants were found to be 1.44 × 105 ± 0.22 M-1, 5.18 × 104 ± 0.20 M-1, and 3.02 × 104 ± 0.22 M-1 respectively, suggesting an intermediate binding affinity between NTBC and BSA. Changes in the microenvironment surrounding tryptophan and tyrosine residues of BSA were elucidated using 3-D fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermodynamic studies revealed the calculated values of ΔH =  - 54.34 ± 5 kJ/mol and ΔS =  - 0.0908 ± 0.24 kJ/mol K-1, indicating the involvement of van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds in the interaction between NTBC and BSA. Moreover, the interaction's spontaneous nature was evidenced by negative ΔG values across all temperatures. Using dynamic light scattering, it was observed that higher NTBC concentrations led to a gradual rise in hydrodynamic diameter and notable aggregation of the NTBC-BSA complex. Moreover, changing signal values and shifted peaks of BSA, NTBC, and complex in differential scanning calorimetry curves, meant there were molecular interactions between the NTBC and BSA. In silico approaches also elucidated how NTBC binds to active sites on BSA, further supporting other findings. Moreover, molecular docking studies offer a more profound insight into the changing dynamics of hydrophobic, hydrogen, and halogen bonding involved in stabilizing the NTBC-BSA complex.

Elucidating the Interaction of Indole-3-Propionic Acid and Calf Thymus DNA: Multispectroscopic and Computational Modeling Approaches

Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a plant growth regulator with good specificity and long action. IPA may be harmful to human health because of its accumulation in vegetables and fruits. Therefore, in this study, the properties of the interaction between calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and IPA were systematically explored using multispectroscopic and computational modeling approaches. Analysis of fluorescence spectra showed that IPA binding to ctDNA to spontaneously form a complex was mainly driven by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction. DNA melting analysis, viscosity analysis, DNA cleavage study, and circular dichroism measurement revealed the groove binding of IPA to ctDNA and showed that the binding did not significantly change ctDNA confirmation. Furthermore, molecular docking found that IPA attached in the A-T rich minor groove region of the DNA. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that DNA and IPA formed a stable complex and IPA caused slight fluctuations for the residues at the binding site. Gel electrophoresis experiments showed that IPA did not significantly disrupt the DNA structure. These findings may provide useful information on the potential toxicological effects and environmental risk assessments of IPA residue in food at the molecular level.

Elucidation of binding mechanisms of bovine serum albumin and 1-alkylsulfonates with different hydrophobic chain lengths

In this article, the binding interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and three 1-alkylsulfonates, namely sodium 1-dodecanesulfonate, sodium 1-decanesulfonate, and sodium 1-octanesulfonate, have been thoroughly investigated. The study employed various experimental techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy (SF), circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), and molecular dynamics-based simulations. The objective was to understand the influence of the alkyl chain length of the investigated ligands on several aspects, including the strength of the interaction, the stoichiometry of the resulting complexes, the number of BSA binding sites, and the underlying mechanisms of binding. Notably, the study also demonstrated that sodium dodecyl sulfate (S12S) can serve as an effective site marker for BSA when studying ligands with similar structural and topological features. These findings may have significant implications for enhancing our understanding of the interactions between small amphiphilic molecules and proteins.

A chondroitin sulfate purified from shark cartilage and bovine serum albumin interaction activity

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) was extracted and purified from shark cartilage, and its interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied. The content of chondroitin sulfate in shark cartilage was 29.97 % using the 1,9-dimethyl-methylene blue method. The molecular weight of CS was determined to be 62.464 kDa by high-performance gel permeation chromatography. UV and FT-IR spectroscopy identified the characteristics of CS and its functional group information. NMR spectroscopy and disaccharide derivatization revealed that CS was predominantly composed of disulfated disaccharides, specifically ΔDi4,6S. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the interaction between CS and BSA exhibited static quenching, with a binding site number of 1. The binding process was primarily mediated by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that CS had minimal impact on the polarity and hydrophobicity of the microenvironment surrounding Tyr and Trp residues. UV-vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy demonstrated the altered structure of BSA. The molecular docking analysis revealed that CS formed hydrogen bonds and salt bridges with BSA, predominantly binding to the IIA substructure domain of BSA. Investigating the interaction between CS and BSA holds the potential for enhancing its applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering endeavors.

Simultaneous binding characterization of different chromium speciation to serum albumin

The binding process between three species of chromium and serum albumin (SA) was investigated, as well as the interaction between K2Cr2O7 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under coexistence of different chromium forms. CrCl3, K2Cr2O7 and Crpic bound to SA spontaneously through Van der Waals force, and their binding constants were 103-104 M-1 at 298 K, respectively. K2Cr2O7 and Crpic both had strong binding affinity for BSA, and significantly affected the secondary structure of BSA and the microenvironment surrounding amino acid residues. Chromium exhibited a greater fluorescence quenching constant towards HSA than toward BSA, and K2Cr2O7 induced greater conformational changes in human serum albumin (HSA) than in BSA. A weak binding of CrCl3 to BSA had no significant effect on the binding affinity of K2Cr2O7 to BSA. K2Cr2O7 and BSA have a greater binding affinity when coexisting with Crpic, and K2Cr2O7 induces a greater conformational change in BSA.

Surface interaction of vancomycin with polystyrene microplastics and its effect on human serum albumin

Microplastics have a well-documented ability to adsorb various chemicals and contaminants found in the environment. By similar mechanisms, when medicines are stored in plastic packaging, the leaching of plastics into the contents poses the risk of possible toxicity and decreased drug efficacy. The work thus examines the presence of two categories of anthropogenic materials - microplastics (MPs) and medications - with their possible combined effects and fate in biological systems. A study on the kinetics and isotherm of the adsorption of vancomycin hydrochloride on the surface of polystyrene microspheres is performed, and the best-fitting models are obtained respectively as the pseudo-second-order model and the Temkin isotherm. Further, the interaction of each of, the drug, MPs and drug-adsorbed MPs with human serum albumin (HSA), the model protein chosen to validate the potential toxicity in humans, is determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. A thermodynamic analysis of this protein-ligand interaction shows that the process is spontaneous, endothermic and entropically favoured, and that hydrophobic forces operate between the interacting species. An unfolding of HSA is observed, disrupting its functions like the esterase activity. Competitive binding experiments with Warfarin and Ibuprofen as specific site markers on HSA reveal that all the studied ligands bind non-specifically to HSA.

A 3D copper (II) coordination polymer based on sulfanilic acid ligand (CP 1) for efficient biomolecular interaction with bovine serum albumin: spectroscopic, molecular modelling and DFT analysis

Several biochemical reactions occur during the interaction of metal complexes and proteins due to conformational modifications in the structure of the protein, which provide fundamental knowledge of the effect, mechanism, and transport of many drugs throughout the body. Here, we report the synthesis, identification, and impact of the 3-dimensional Copper(II)sulfanilic acid coordination polymer (CP 1) on interactions with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The CP 1 was synthesized via a simple hot stirring method, and the single crystal XRD confirms the effective bonding interactions between metal and organic ligand, forming a crystalline polymeric chain and the topological study shows the sql type of underlying net topology. Powder XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were also performed. Moreover, DFT/B3LYP calculations provide chemical precision for the resulting complex. Further, the changes that occur in the secondary structure of protein when CP 1 binds with BSA as well as its binding capacity were investigated via circular dichroism analysis and spectroscopic methods such as UV-absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The CP 1/BSA complex melting point was also measured, and its temperature-dependent heat denaturation was studied along with molecular docking.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In vitro interactions of two pesticides, propazine and quinoxyfen with bovine serum albumin: Spectrofluorometric and molecular docking investigations

Binding mechanisms of two selected pesticides, propazine (PRO) and quinoxyfen (QUI) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was examined using fluorescence, absorption and molecular docking methods. Intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched in the presence of both PRO and QUI. The quenching was ascertained to be conversely linked to temperature, which suggested the contribution of static quenching process in the PRO-BSA and QUI-BSA complex formations. This results were validated by the enhancement in absorption spectrum of BSA upon binding with PRO and QUI. Binding constant values (K_f = 9.55-0.60 × 10^-3 M^-1 for PRO-BSA system; K_f = 7.08-5.01 × 10² M^-1 for QUI-BSA system) and number of binding site (n) values for the PRO-BSA and QUI-BSA systems at different temperatures affirmed a weak binding strength with a set of equivalent binding sites on BSA. Thermodynamic data obtained for both the PRO-BSA and QUI-BSA interactions predicted that the association process was spontaneous and non-covalent contacts such as hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds participated in the binding reactions. This result was further supported by the molecular docking assessments. Three-dimensional spectral results revealed the microenvironmental alterations near tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues in BSA by the addition of PRO and QUI. The docking analysis demonstrated the binding pattern for the PRO-BSA and QUI-BSA systems and disclosed the preferred binding site of both PRO and QUI as site I (subdomain IIA) of BSA.

Toxicity Study and Binding Analysis of Newly Synthesized Antifungal N-(4-aryl/cyclohexyl)-2-(pyridine-4-yl carbonyl) hydrazinecarbothioamide Derivative with Bovine Serum Albumin

The presence of the p-aryl/cyclohexyl ring in the N-(4-aryl/cyclohexyl)-2-(pyridine-4-yl carbonyl) hydrazine carbothioamide derivative (2C) is reported to enhance the antifungal properties when compared to those of itraconazole. Serum albumins present in plasma bind and transport ligands, including pharmaceuticals. This study explored 2C interactions with BSA using spectroscopic methods such as fluorescence and UV-visible spectroscopy. In order to acquire a deeper comprehension of how BSA interacts with binding pockets, a molecular docking study was carried out. The fluorescence of BSA was quenched by 2C via a static quenching mechanism since a decrease in quenching constants was observed from 1.27 × 10⁵ to 1.14 × 10⁵. Thermodynamic parameters indicated hydrogen and van der Waals forces responsible for the BSA-2C complex formation with binding constants ranging between 2.91 × 10⁵ and 1.29 × 10⁵, which suggest a strong binding interaction. Site marker studies displayed that 2C binds to BSA's subdomains IIA and IIIA. Molecular docking studies were conducted to further comprehend the molecular mechanism of the BSA-2C interaction. The toxicity of 2C was predicted by Derek Nexus software. Human and mammalian carcinogenicity and skin sensitivity predictions were associated with a reasoning level of equivocal, inferring 2C to be a potential drug candidate.

Molecular interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and trihalophenol: Insights from spectroscopic, calorimetric and molecular modeling studies

The issue of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the water has received critical attention due to the health effects on humans. In the water environment, interactions between bovine serum albumins (BSA), the most abundant water-soluble protein, and DBPs unavoidably occur. In this study, comparative binding interactions of two aromatic DBPs - 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) and 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP) with BSA were investigated systematically utilizing fluorescence spectrometry, UV absorption spectrometry, isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular docking approach. The fluorescence quenching results indicated that TCP/TBP could quench the endogenous fluorescence of BSA through static quenching mechanisms, and TBP showed a more substantial quenching effect. The binding constants were determined for TCP-BSA (3.638 × 10⁵ L/mol, 303 K) and TBP-BSA (6.394 × 10⁵ L/mol, 303 K) complexes, with TBP showing higher binding affinity than TCP. The thermodynamic study and docking analysis suggested that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were the primary interaction forces. Both of TCP and TBP were located in the subdomain IIIA of BSA, and TBP could form more stable complex than TCP. The results of the present study contributed valuable information on the environmental behaviors of halophenols in water environment from perspectives of binding with BSA.

An Insight into Wheat Germ Oil Nutrition, Identification of Its Bioactive Constituents and Computer-Aided Multidimensional Data Analysis of Its Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect via Molecular Connections

Wheat germ oil (WGO) is the richest source of unexplored antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In this study, we identified the constituents of WGO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic behaviors were evaluated for the top 12 constituents with the common target FABP4. Three fatty acids with significant anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated for their interaction with FABP4 by molecular docking. The molecular mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory responses were analyzed by various in-silico analytical tools and multidimensional data analysis. WGO showed anti-inflammatory activities via FABP4 interacting physically with target genes (77.84%) and by co-expressing with 8.01% genes. Primary targets for inflammatory pathways were PPARα, PPARγ, LPL, LEP, and ADIPOQ, as depicted by gene network enrichment analysis. The key pathways implicated were the metabolism of lipids, PPAR signaling, cellular response to alcohol, oxygen and nitrogen pathway, inflammatory response pathway, and regulation of the inflammatory pathway. The common transcription factors implicated were HNF1, AP2α, CEBP, FOX, STATS, MYC, Zic, etc. In this study, we found that WGO possesses anti-inflammatory potential via FABP4 binding to PPARα, PPARγ, LPL, LEP, and ADIPOQ gene expression by regulatory transcription factors HNF, AP2α, and CEPB.

Insights into the interaction of azinphos-methyl with bovine serum albumin: experimental and molecular docking studies

In the present study, combining spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques has been used to analyze azinphos-methyl binding properties, as an organophosphorus pesticide, to bovine serum albumin. The quenching interaction of azinphos-methyl with bovine serum albumin was investigated in an appropriate physiological state (pH = 7.4). Fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Findings showed differences in the secondary protein structure microenvironment following interaction with azinphos-methyl. The results from spectroscopic experiments suggest that azinphos-methyl binds to bovine serum albumin residues with a binding constant in the range of 0.099 × 10⁵-0.209 × 10⁵ M^-1 in one binding site (Tyr 160). The experimental results are supported by computational techniques such as docking using a bovine serum albumin crystal model. The results show that azinphos-methyl is linked to the site I of bovine serum albumin (in subdomain IB), and the result was in accordance with the experimental result. Based on the negative ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° values, the binding between azinphos-methyl and bovine serum albumin was spontaneous, and docking studies confirmed hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces between them.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Assessment of alteration in antiviral plasma concentration across dialysis days: computational and analytical study

Aim: Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) may displace drugs from the plasma proteins and render them more liable to clearance. This study aims to investigate the possible interplay between PBUTs and directly acting antivirals (DAAs). Methods: PBUT plasma protein binding was compared to those of paritaprevir (PRT), ombitasivir (OMB) and ritonavir (RTV) in silico to assess the possible competitive displacement. The three drugs were LC-MS/MS determined in seven patients across dialysis and non-dialysis days and results were compared. Results & conclusion: Results showed that the PBUT exhibited a lower binding than DAA reducing the liability of their competitive displacement. This was echoed by an unaltered plasma concentration across dialysis days. Results may indicate that PBUT accumulation may have limited effect on disposition of DAA.

Interaction mechanism of benzophenone-type UV filters on bovine serum albumin: Insights from structure-affinity relationship

Benzophenone (BP)-type UV filters can cause structural changes of carrier protein in plasma. The binding process of five BP-type UV filters with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by multiple characterization methods, along with their structure-affinity relationship involving the structure of the five BP-type UV filters and their binding affinity for BSA. The BP-type UV filters investigated bound to BSA spontaneously, and altered conformation of BSA. The binding constants and number of binding sites between BP-type UV filters and BSA were 10³-10⁶ M^-1 and 0.82-1.26, respectively. These BP-type UV filters and BSA interacted with the same binding forces and went through the similar binding process, suggesting that the benzophenone skeleton structure was primarily responsible for the BP-type UV filters and BSA binding, and changes in the structure of the BSA. The BP-type UV filters with hydroxyl substituent (BP-1 and BP-9) and non-polar molecules (BP-6) had a high affinity for binding BSA and had a greater impact on BSA conformation.

Potential toxic effects of sulfonamides antibiotics: Molecular modeling, multiple-spectroscopy techniques and density functional theory calculations

Sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) are widely used in medicine, animal husbandry and aquaculture, and excessive intake of SAs may pose potential toxicity to organisms. The toxicological mechanisms of two classical SAs, sulfamerazine (SMR) and sulfamethoxazole (SMT), were investigated by molecular docking, DFT and multi-spectroscopic techniques using HSA and BSA as model proteins. The quenching of HSA/BSA endogenous fluorescence by SMR was higher than that by SMT due to the stronger binding effect of the pyrimidine ring on HSA/BSA compared to the oxazole ring, and that result was consistent with that predicted by DFT calculations. Thermodynamic parameters show that the binding of SAs to HSA/BSA is an exothermic process that proceeds spontaneously (ΔG < 0). Marker competition experiments illustrate that the binding site of SMR/SMT on serum albumin is located in subdomain IIIA. The combination of SAs and HSA/BSA is mainly realized by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction, and the concept is also supported by molecular modeling. The reduced α-helix content of HSA/BSA induced by SMR/SMT indicates a greater stretching of the protein α-helix structure of the SMR/SMT-HSA/BSA. The results could provide useful toxicological information on the hazards of SAs in response to growing concern that SAs may pose a toxic threat to organisms.

Imperative persistent interaction analysis of anticancer noscapine-ionic liquid with calf thymus DNA

In this study, we have shown the interaction between opium poppy alkaloid noscapine-based ionic liquid [Pip-Nos]OTf and ct-DNA using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, CD, and computational studies. The absorption spectra showed a hypochromic shift with no shift in the absorption maxima suggesting groove or electrostatic binding. Fluorescence spectra showed an enhancement in fluorescence emission suggesting that the probable mode of binding should be groove binding. Ethidium bromide (EB) competitive and Ionic strength study showed the absence of intercalative and electrostatic modes of interaction. Further, CD analysis of ct-DNA suggested a groove binding mode of interaction of [Pip-Nos]OTf with ct-DNA. [Pip-Nos]OTf displayed a strong binding with the target ct-DNA with a molecular docking score of -41.47 kJ/mol with all 3D coordinates and full conformation. Also, molecular binding contact analyses depicted the stable binding of drug and ct-DNA with potential hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The structural superimposition dynamics analysis showed the stable binding of [Pip-Nos]OTf with the ct-DNA model through RMSD statistics. Moreover, the ligand interaction calculations revealed the involvement of large binding energy along with a high static number of molecular forces including the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in their complexation. These significant results report the potency of [Pip-Nos]OTf and its important futuristic role in cancer therapeutics.

Modulation of the binding ability to biomacromolecule, cytotoxicity and cellular imaging property for ionic liquid mediated carbon dots

For the preparation of carbon dots (CDs), a variety of carbon sources and synthetic protocols are available which endow CDs with variable and unpredictable properties. In the present study, three CDs were developed with ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide as the precursor through ethanol-thermal and hydrothermal strategies, termed as E-CDs and H-CDs, respectively. The features of these carbon dots, i.e., their physicochemical and optical properties, their interactions with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as well as their imaging capability were investigated with respect to the CDs prepared with microwave assisted approach (W-CDs). E-CDs and H-CDs were demonstrated to exhibit similar framework structures and optical properties, and they exhibited larger particle-sizes than that of W-CDs. In addition, the increase of ethanol-thermal and hydrothermal reaction time strengthened the quantum yields of the CDs and promoted their binding capability with BSA. E-CDs and H-CDs showed similar cytotoxicity on normal (LX-2) and cancer (SK-Hep-1) cells. We further found that these CDs may readily enter the cells within 5 min, while the fluorescence of hydrophilic E-CDs and H-CDs was very weak with respect to that of hydrophobic W-CDs in cell imaging. On the other hand, all the CDs exhibited little impact on the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The present study is conducive to guide the preparation of suitable carbon dots for different application scenarios.

Deciphering the nature of binding of dexlansoprazole with DNA: Biophysical and docking approaches

Drugs, in general, exhibit their pharmacological activity in binding with intracellular targets. Numerous anticancer and antibacterial drugs target DNA as one of their primary intracellular targets. Dexlansoprazole (DLP) is a heterocyclic compound containing benzimidazole moiety and a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The interaction of dexlansoprazole with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been studied using biophysical methods. The UV-Visible studies revealed a binding constant of 2.15 ± 0.3 × 104 M^-1 which is close to the value of 2.44 ± 0.3 × 10⁴ M^-1 obtained from the fluorescence studies. Competitive displacement studies using the fluorescence spectroscopic method with ethidium bromide and Hoechst as DNA markers suggested the groove binding mode of DLP in ct-DNA. The groove binding mode of DLP in ct-DNA was complemented by the results of viscosity and DNA melting studies. Further studies on the effect of ionic strength and potassium iodide on DLP binding with ct-DNA supported the observed binding mode. Circular dichroism studies reflected no significant conformational variation in ct-DNA after the interaction. The binding mode obtained from the experimental studies was corroborated by the molecular docking studies that showed the position of DLP in the minor groove of ct-DNA along with the receptor interface restudies involved in the interaction.

An insight into the interaction between Indisulam and human serum albumin: Spectroscopic method, computer simulation and in vitro cytotoxicity assay

Indisulam (IDM) is a sulfanilamide anticancer agent and has been identified as a molecular glue recently. It shows potential for novel therapies development and brings more hope for curing human diseases. The affinity between molecular glues and plasma protein makes it significant to understand the characteristics of such substances. Therefore, the interaction between IDM and human serum albumin (HSA) was explored through solvent experiments, computer simulation experiments, enzyme kinetics experiments, and cell viability assay. The results revealed that IDM and HSA spontaneously formed stable binary complex with the binding constant of the order 10⁵ M^-1. IDM inserted in the site I of HSA, resulting the change in HSA secondary structure. And π electrons in IDM's benzene rings, as well as van der Waals forces and the H-bond, all helped to stabilize the HSA-IDM complex. The results of molecular dynamic simulation (MD) corresponded with the results from solvent experiment well. For instance, there were approximately 1-5 H-bonds between IDM and HSA. Lys199 and Arg218 were crucial energy contributors in the binding process. The esterase-like activity experiment confirmed that IDM inhibited the catalytic activity of HSA. In addition, cell experiment revealed that serum albumin can significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of IDM towards human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells.

Association Mechanism and Conformational Changes in Trypsin on Its Interaction with Atrazine: A Multi- Spectroscopic and Biochemical Study with Computational Approach

Atrazine (ATR) is a herbicide globally used to eliminate undesired weeds. Herbicide usage leads to various adverse effects on human health and the environment. The primary source of herbicides in humans is the food laced with the herbicides. The ATR binding to trypsin (TYP) was investigated in this study to explore its binding potential and toxicity. In vitro interaction of ATR with TYP was studied using multi-spectroscopic methods, molecular docking, and enzyme kinetics to explore the mechanism of binding for the TYP-ATR system. The TYP-ATR complex revealed binding constants (10³ M^-1), suggesting a moderate binding. The free energy for the TYP-ATR complexes was negative, suggesting a spontaneous interaction. Thermodynamic parameters enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) obtained positive values for the TYP-ATR system suggesting hydrophobic interactions in the binding process. Micro-environmental and conformational changes in TYP molecules were induced on interaction with ATR. Reduced catalytic activity of TYP was observed after interaction with ATR owing to the changes in the secondary structure of the TYP.

A Comprehensive Investigation of Interactions between Antipsychotic Drug Quetiapine and Human Serum Albumin Using Multi-Spectroscopic, Biochemical, and Molecular Modeling Approaches

Quetiapine (QTP) is a short-acting atypical antipsychotic drug that treats schizophrenia or manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Human serum albumin (HSA) is an essential transport protein that transports hormones and various other ligands to their intended site of action. The interactions of QTP with HSA and their binding mechanism in the HSA-QTP system was studied using spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. The UV-Vis absorption study shows hyperchromicity in the spectra of HSA on the addition of QTP, suggesting the complex formation and interactions between QTP and HSA. The results of intrinsic fluorescence indicate that QTP quenched the fluorescence of HSA and confirmed the complex formation between HSA and QTP, and this quenching mechanism was a static one. Thermodynamic analysis of the HSA-QTP system confirms the involvement of hydrophobic forces, and this complex formation is spontaneous. The competitive displacement and molecular docking experiments demonstrated that QTP is preferentially bound to HSA subdomain IB. Furthermore, the CD experiment results showed conformational changes in the HSA-QTP system. Besides this, the addition of QTP does not affect the esterase-like activity of HSA. This study will help further understand the credible mechanism of transport and delivery of QTP via HSA and design new QTP-based derivatives with greater efficacy.

Influence of Rutin, Sinapic Acid, and Naringenin on Binding of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Erlotinib to Bovine Serum Albumin Using Analytical Techniques Along with Computational Approach

Flavonoid-containing food supplements are widely used as antioxidants, and the continuous use of these supplements with other drugs can lead to clinically significant interactions between these and other drugs. The medications in systemic circulation are mainly transported by serum albumin, a major transport protein. This study evaluated the interactions of rutin (RUT), naringenin (NAR), and sinapic acid (SIN) with the most abundant transport protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and the anticancer drug, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Erlotinib (ETB), using various analytical methods. Interaction between multiple types of ligands with the transport proteins and competition between themselves can lead to the bound ETB’s displacement from the BSA-binding site, leading to elevated ETB concentrations in the systemic circulation. These elevated drug fractions can lead to adverse events and lower tolerance, and increased resistance to the therapeutic regimen of ETB. The experimental and computational methods, including molecular-docking studies, were used to understand the molecular interactions. The results suggested that the complexes formed were utterly different in the binary and the ternary system. Furthermore, comparing the ternary systems amongst themselves, the spectra differed from each other. They thus inferred that complexes formed between BSA-ETB in the presence of each RUT, NAR, and SIN separately were also different, with the highest value of the reduction in the binding energy in RUT, followed by SIN and then NAR. Thus, we conclude that a competitive binding between the ETB and these flavonoids might influence the ETB pharmacokinetics in cancer patients by increasing ETB tolerance or resistance.

Elucidating the binding mechanism of an antimigraine agent with a model protein: insights from molecular spectroscopic, calorimetric and computational approaches

Sumatriptan (SUM), a serotonin activator used to treat migraines and cluster headaches. Molecular spectroscopic methods including fluorescence quenching, time dependent fluorescence, FRET, absorption, circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetric and computational approaches were employed to unravel the interaction between sumatriptan and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The fluorescence quenching studies suggested the interaction between SUM and BSA with a moderate binding with the binding constant (K_b) in the order of 10⁴. The findings of temperature and time dependent fluorescence quenching studies confirmed the role of static quenching mechanism. Thermodynamic parameters suggested the key role of electrostatic force in the interaction of SUM with BSA. Absorption and CD spectral studies revealed the bioenvironmental changes around the Trp in BSA upon binding of SUM. Calorimetric based thermal denaturation results confirmed that the thermal stability of BSA was improved in the presence of SUM. resulted in the this decreased flexibility of protein chain. Site competitive studies indicated SUM was located in the hydrophobic cavity of site I which was further confirmed by the docking and dynamic simulation studies. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations inferred the microenvironmental condition around the SUM and the amino acids and forces involved in the binding of SUM with BSA.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Plasmonic LAMP: Improving the Detection Specificity and Sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 by Plasmonic Sensing of Isothermally Amplified Nucleic Acids

The ability to detect pathogens specifically and sensitively is critical to combat infectious diseases outbreaks and pandemics. Colorimetric assays involving loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) provide simple readouts yet suffer from the intrinsic non-template amplification. Herein, a highly specific and sensitive assay relying on plasmonic sensing of LAMP amplicons via DNA hybridization, termed as plasmonic LAMP, is developed for the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detection. This work has two important advances. First, gold and silver (Au-Ag) alloy nanoshells are developed as plasmonic sensors that have 4-times stronger extinction in the visible wavelengths and give a 20-times lower detection limit for oligonucleotides over Au counterparts. Second, the integrated method allows cutting the complex LAMP amplicons into short repeats that are amendable for hybridization with oligonucleotide-functionalized Au-Ag nanoshells. In the SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, plasmonic LAMP takes ≈75 min assay time, achieves a detection limit of 10 copies per reaction, and eliminates the contamination from non-template amplification. It also shows better detection specificity and sensitivity over commercially available LAMP kits due to the additional sequence identification. This work opens a new route for LAMP amplicon detection and provides a method for virus testing at its early representation.

Interaction Characterization of a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Erlotinib with a Model Transport Protein in the Presence of Quercetin: A Drug-Protein and Drug-Drug Interaction Investigation Using Multi-Spectroscopic and Computational Approaches

The interaction between erlotinib (ERL) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied in the presence of quercetin (QUR), a flavonoid with antioxidant properties. Ligands bind to the transport protein BSA resulting in competition between different ligands and displacing a bound ligand, resulting in higher plasma concentrations. Therefore, various spectroscopic experiments were conducted in addition to in silico studies to evaluate the interaction behavior of the BSA-ERL system in the presence and absence of QUR. The quenching curve and binding constants values suggest competition between QUR and ERL to bind to BSA. The binding constant for the BSA-ERL system decreased from 2.07 × 10⁴ to 0.02 × 10² in the presence of QUR. The interaction of ERL with BSA at Site II is ruled out based on the site marker studies. The suggested Site on BSA for interaction with ERL is Site I. Stability of the BSA-ERL system was established with molecular dynamic simulation studies for both Site I and Site III interaction. In addition, the analysis can significantly help evaluate the effect of various quercetin-containing foods and supplements during the ERL-treatment regimen. In vitro binding evaluation provides a cheaper alternative approach to investigate ligand-protein interaction before clinical studies.

Comparison of the interactions of flupyrimin and nitenpyram with serum albumins via multiple analysis methods

Flupyrimin and nitenpyram are emerging neonicotinoid insecticides that may cause potential harm to the human body. In the present work, the interactions of flupyrimin/nitenpyram with serum albumins under normal physiological conditions were thoroughly studied by using multiple spectroscopic techniques, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Flupyrimin/nitenpyram can quench the endogenous fluorescence of HSA/BSA and form a complex with HSA/BSA through a static process, causing conformational and secondary structure changes of HSA/BSA. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the combination of flupyrimin/nitenpyram with HSA/BSA is a spontaneous process, mainly driven by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces. Site marking and molecular docking experiments indicated that flupyrimin/nitenpyram binds with HSA/BSA at site II (subdomain IIIA). The binding constant K_a in HSA-flupyrimin, HSA-nitenpyram, BSA-flupyrimin and BSA-nitenpyram systems at 298 K was 2.11 × 10⁵ M^-1, 2.35 × 10⁵ M^-1, 1.91 × 10⁵ M^-1 and 2.11 × 10⁵ M^-1, respectively. The binding constant K_a of nitenpyram with HSA/BSA was greater than flupyrimin, indicating that nitenpyram binds HSA/BSA was more stable than that of flupyrimin, which was consistent with the DFT calculation. In addition, the acute toxicity bioassay showed that flupyrimin and nitenpyram exhibited low toxicity to zebrafish, with 96 h LC₅₀ values of 181.662 and 250.658 mg a. i. L^-1, respectively. These results can help understand the interactions of flupyrimin/nitenpyram with HSA/BSA.

A simple method for obtaining human albumin and its use for in vitro interaction assays with indole-thiazole and indole-thiazolidinone derivatives

This work aimed to develop a simple and low-cost method to obtain human serum albumin (HSA) and its consequent application for in vitro drug interaction assays. The HSA was purified by classic principles of plasma precipitation and thermocoagulation, using a multiple-stage fractionation. The quality of the final product was assessed by electrophoresis, protein dosage by the Lowry method and the pharmacopeial thermal stability. At the end, an isotonic solution of HSA with a total protein concentration of 2.7 mg·mL^-1 was obtained, which was visualized as a single band corresponding to the molecular weight of 66 kDa. After the thermal stability test, there was no indication of turbidity or color change of the solution. Finally, the HSA was useful for interaction assays with indole-thiazole and indole-thiazolidinone derivatives through UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies, as well as by docking molecular analysis. Derivatives quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA, disrupted the tryptophan residues microenvironment, and probably bind at Sudlow's site I. Therefore, the simplified methodology developed in this work proved to be effective in obtaining HSA that can be applied to research goals including drug interaction assays.

Exploring the binding mechanism and adverse toxic effects of persistent organic pollutant (dicofol) to human serum albumin: A biophysical, biochemical and computational approach

The organochlorine pesticide dicofol (DCF), a persistent organic pollutant, is used as acaricide worldwide. Considering its large consumption in the agriculture sector and potential toxic effects such as endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and environmental persistence are detrimental to human health. To take an extensive evaluation of its potential toxicity, the current study was aimed to explore the binding mechanism and adverse effect of DCF on human serum albumin (HSA) by using an array of biophysical techniques (UV-visible, fluorescence, 3D fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy), isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC), computational methods and biochemical approaches. Fluorescence quenching and UV-Visible spectra of the HSA-DCF system confirmed static quenching mechanism and complex formation between HSA and DCF. The thermodynamics results from ITC revealed DCF-HSA interaction was exothermic and spontaneous and involved hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. The esterase activity of HSA displayed constant V_max and elevated K_m values confirming DCF-HSA competitive interaction. Circular dichroism spectra results revealed structural changes in HSA protein on interaction with DCF. Furthermore, molecular-specific site marker and molecular modelling results affirmed that the binding Site of DCF is Site I of HSA. A significant carbonyl content level in DCF-HSA system suggested protein structure damage. This work is likely to add a better understanding of DCF toxicity in human health and helpful in fortifying the check on food safety.

Effect of Aminosilane Coupling Agent-Modified Nano-SiO2 Particles on Thermodynamic Properties of Epoxy Resin Composites

From the perspective of improving the thermodynamic properties of epoxy resin, it has become the focus of research to enhance the operational stability of GIS (Gas Insulated Substation) basin insulators for UHV (Ultra-High Voltage) equipment. In this paper, three aminosilane coupling agents with different chain lengths, (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (KH550), Aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (KH792) and 3-[2-(2-Aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyl-trimethoxysilane (TAPS), were used to modify nano-SiO2 and doped into epoxy resin, respectively, using a combination of experimental and molecular dynamics simulations. The experimental results showed that the surface-grafted KH792 model of nano-SiO2 exhibited the most significant improvement in thermal properties compared with the undoped nanoparticle model. The storage modulus increased by 276 MPa and the Tg increased by 61 K. The simulation results also showed that the mechanical properties of the nano-SiO2 surface-grafted KH792 model were about 3 times higher than that of the undoped nanoparticle model, the Tg increased by 36.5 K, and the thermal conductivity increased by 24.5%.