Surface adsorption of Crizotinib on carbon and boron nitride nanotubes as Anti-Cancer drug Carriers: COSMO-RS and DFT molecular insights

Effect of functionalization on the adsorption performance of carbon nanotube as a drug delivery system for imatinib: molecular simulation study

In this study, efficiency of functionalized carbon nanotube as a potential delivery system for imatinib anti-cancer drug was investigated. Accordingly, carboxyl and hydroxyl functionalized carbon nanotube were inspected as a notable candidate for the carriage of this drug in aqueous media. For this purpose, possible interactions of imatinib with pure and functionalized carbon nanotube were considered in aqueous media. The compounds were optimized in gas phase using density functional calculations. Solvation free energies and association free energies of the optimized structures were then studied by Monte Carlo simulation and perturbation method in water environment. Outcomes of quantum mechanical calculations presented that pure and functionalized carbon nanotubes can act as imatinib drug adsorbents in gas phase. However, results of association free energy calculations in aqueous solution indicated that only carboxyl and hydroxyl functionalized carbon nanotubes could interact with imatinib. Monte Carlo simulation results revealed that electrostatic interactions play a vital role in the intermolecular interaction energies after binding of drug and nanotube in aqueous solution. Computed solvation free energies in water showed that the interactions with functionalized carbon nanotubes significantly enhance the solubility of imatinib, which could improve its in vivo bioavailability.

A DFT study of sulforaphane adsorption on the group III nitrides (B12N12, Al12N12 and Ga12N12) nanocages

In this paper, the adsorption behavior of group III nitrides (B12N12, Al12N12, and Ga12N12) nanocages to sulforaphane (SF) anticancer medicine were studied by density functional theory (DFT). The adsorption energy, solvation energy, desorption time and related quantum molecular descriptors were calculated in neutral and acidic solutions. When the drugs were adsorbed to nanocages, the structure of nanocages and drugs changed after adsorption, indicating that the process was effective adsorption. The adsorption energy and solvation energy of the complexes created after adsorption were negative values, which indicated that the structure of complexes formed by adsorption were stable. According to charge decomposition analysis (CDA) and natural bonding orbitals (NBO), drugs act as charge donors and nanocages act as charge acceptors, so that the charge flows from drugs to nanocages. Thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that drugs adsorption on nanocages is a spontaneous exothermic process. The calculation of quantum molecular descriptors confirmed that drugs adsorption on nanocages increased the chemical reactivity and solubility of drugs, which facilitated its transfer in biological fluids. Both interaction region index (IRI) and topological analysis of atom in molecule (AIM) revealed Van Der Waals interaction between drugs and nanocages. Protonation studies demonstrated that acidic circumstances could improve the polarity of complexes, increase the solvation effect, and boost drugs release in target cancer cells. The results of this work indicate that X12N12(X = B, Al, Ga) nanocages can be used as the delivery vehicle of SF drug.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Molecular Guide for Selecting Green Deep Eutectic Solvents with High Monosaccharide Solubility for Food Applications

Monosaccharides play a vital role in the human diet due to their interesting biological activity and functional properties. Conventionally, sugars are extracted using volatile organic solvents (VOCs). Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have recently emerged as a new green alternative to VOCs. Nonetheless, the selection criterion of an appropriate DES for a specific application is a very difficult task due to the designer nature of these solvents and the theoretically infinite number of combinations of their constituents and compositions. This paper presents a framework for screening a large number of DES constituents for monosaccharide extraction application using COSMO-RS. The framework employs the activity coefficients at infinite dilution (γ_i^∞) as a measure of glucose and fructose solubility. Moreover, the toxicity analysis of the constituents is considered to ensure that selected constituents are safe to work with. Finally, the obtained viscosity predictions were used to select DESs that are not transport-limited. To provide more insights into which functional groups are responsible for more effective monosaccharide extraction, a structure-solubility analysis was carried out. Based on an analysis of 212 DES constituents, the top-performing hydrogen bond acceptors were found to be carnitine, betaine, and choline chloride, while the top-performing hydrogen bond donors were oxalic acid, ethanolamine, and citric acid. A research initiative was presented in this paper to develop robust computational frameworks for selecting optimal DESs for a given application to develop an effective DES design strategy that can aid in the development of novel processes using DESs.

A dispersion-corrected DFT calculation on encapsulation of favipiravir drug used as antiviral against COVID-19 into carbon-, boron-, and aluminum-nitride nanotubes for optimal drug delivery systems combined with molecular docking simulations

Favipiravir (FAV) (6-fluoro-3-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrazine-2-carboxamide) is one of the most effective antiviral drugs which is cited for action against RNA-viral infections of COVID-19. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to investigate three nanotubes (NTs) with FAV drug as delivery systems. The encapsulated systems (ESs) consist of FAV drug inside carbon-carbon, aluminum nitride, and boron nitride. At B3LYP-D/6-31G(d,p) and CPCM/B3LYP-D/6-31G(d,p), the optimization of NTs, FAV, and its tautomeric forms and six ESs was investigated in gas and water environments. Five tautomeric forms of FAV were investigated, two keto forms (K1 and K2) and three enol forms (E1, E2, and E3). The results revealed that E3 and K2 isomeric forms represented the most stable structures in both media; thus, these two forms were encapsulated into the NTs. The stability and the synthesis feasibility of NTs have been proven by calculating their interaction energies. Non-covalent interactions (NCIs) were investigated in the ESs to show the type of NCI with the molecular voids. The binding energies, thermochemical parameters, and recovery times were investigated to understand the mechanism of FAV encapsulation and release. The encapsulated AlNNT systems are more favorable than those of BNNTs and CNTs in gas and aqueous environments with much higher binding energies. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and recovery time analysis revealed the easier releasing of E3 from AlNNT over K2 form. Based on molecular docking simulations, we found that E3 and K2 FAV forms showed a high level of resistance to SARS-CoV-6M3M/6LU7/6W9C proteases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11224-023-02182-4.

Experimental and Computational Evaluation of 1,2,4-Triazolium-Based Ionic Liquids for Carbon Dioxide Capture

Utilization of ionic liquids (ILs) for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is continuously growing, and further understanding of the factors that influence its solubility (notably for new ILs) is crucial. Herein, CO2 absorption of two 1,2,4-triazolium-based ILs was compared with imidazolium-based Ils of different anions, namely bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, tetrafluoroborate, and glycinate. The CO2 absorption capacity was determined using an isochoric saturation method and compared with predicted solubility employing COnductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS). To gain an understanding of the effects of cations and anions of the ILs on the CO2 solubility, the molecular orbitals energy levels were calculated using TURBOMOLE. Triazolium-based ILs exhibit higher absorption capacity when compared to imidazolium-based ILs for the same anions. The results also showed that the anions’ energy levels are more determinant towards solubility than the cations’ energy levels, which can be explained by the higher tendency of CO2 to accept electrons than to donate them.

Biosorption of zinc (II) from synthetic wastewater by using Inula Viscosa leaves as a low-cost biosorbent: Experimental and molecular modeling studies

The use of biosorption as a strategy for lowering the amount of pollution caused by heavy metals is particularly encouraging. In this investigation, a low-cost and efficient biosorbent, Inula Viscosa leaves were used to remove zinc ions (Zn²⁺) from synthetic wastewater. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiment, a scanning electron microscopy experiment, and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy experiment were used to describe the support. Several different physicochemical factors, such as the beginning pH value, contact duration, initial zinc concentration, biosorbent dose, and temperature, were investigated in this study. When the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Toth, and Redlich-Peterson models were used to match the data from the Inula Viscosa leaves biosorption isotherms, it was found that the biosorption isotherms correspond most closely with the Langmuir isotherm. On the other hand, the kinetic biosorption process was investigated using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order (PS2), and Elovich models. The PS2 model was the one that provided the most accurate description of the biosorption kinetics. The thermodynamics process shows the spontaneous and endothermic character of Zn²⁺ sorption on Inula Viscosa leaves, which also entails the participation of physical interactions. In addition, the atom-in-molecule analysis, density functional theory, and the conductor like screening model for real solvents, were used to investigate the relationship that exists between quantum calculations and experimental outcomes.

Effective removal of cationic dye on activated carbon made from cactus fruit peels: a combined experimental and theoretical study

This article investigates experimentally and theoretically the adsorption of Basic Red 46 cationic dye (BR46) using activated carbon generated from cactus fruit peels (ACCFP). The prepared adsorbent was characterized by different analytical tools showing a good surface for the uptake of pollutants. A maximum batch adsorption capacity of 806.38 mg g^-1 was achieved at optimal conditions. The Freundlich model best represented the equilibrium data, although the pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the adsorption kinetics. The thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the adsorption process was spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and endothermic (ΔH° = 32.512 kJ mol^-1). DFT descriptors were combined with COSMO-RS and AIM theory to provide a complete picture of the adsorbate/adsorbent system and its molecular interactions. Last, the ACCFP was regenerable up to four times, emphasizing the idea of using it as an adsorbent to treat textile wastewaters.

Density Functional Theory Interaction Study of a Polyethylene Glycol-Based Nanocomposite with Cephalexin Drug for the Elimination of Wound Infection

In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) simulations are used to evaluate the possible use of a graphene oxide-based poly(ethylene glycol) (GO/PEG) nanocomposite as a drug delivery substrate for cephalexin (CEX), an antibiotic drug employed to treat wound infection. First, the stable configuration of the PEGylated system was generated with a binding energy of -25.67 kcal/mol at 1.62 Å through Monte Carlo simulation and DFT calculation for a favorable adsorption site. The most stable configuration shows that PEG interacts with GO through hydrogen bonding of the oxygen atom on the hydroxyl group of PEG with the hydrogen atom of the carboxylic group on GO. Similarly, for the interaction of the CEX drug with the GO/PEG nanocomposite excipient system, the adsorption energies are computed after determining the optimal and thermodynamically favorable configuration. The nitrogen atom from the amine group of the drug binds with a hydrogen atom from the carboxylic group of the GO/PEG nanocomposite at 1.75 Å, with an adsorption energy of -36.17 kcal/mol, in the most stable drug-excipient system. Drug release for tissue regeneration at the predicted target cell is more rapid in moist conditions than in the gas phase. The solubility of the suggested drug in the aqueous media around the open wound is shown by the magnitude of the predicted solvation energy. The findings from this study theoretically validate the potential use of a GO/PEG nanocomposite for wound treatment application as a drug carrier for sustained release of the CEX drug.

Corrosion protection performance of silicon-based coatings on carbon steel in NaCl solution: a theoretical and experimental assessment of the effect of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition pretreatment

Using a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process, carbon steel samples were coated with an organosilicon layer less than 2.5 microns thick. Ellipsometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to analyze the films. Additionally, gravimetric experiments were used to determine the electrochemical properties of the organosilicon coatings. Organosilicon-coated carbon steel specimens demonstrated significantly enhanced resistance to corrosive conditions, such as 3% aqueous sodium chloride solutions. The surface preparation method has a considerable influence on the morphological and electrochemical properties of the steel. Argon pretreatment significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of organosilicon-coated steel. Gravimetric research demonstrated that pretreatment with argon plasma resulted in less weight loss and corrosion than pretreatment with nitrogen plasma. The link between quantum computing and experimental data using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) was used.

Physicochemical Properties and Atomic-Scale Interactions in Polyaniline (Emeraldine Base)/Starch Bio-Based Composites: Experimental and Computational Investigations

The processability of conductive polymers still represents a challenge. The use of potato starch as a steric stabilizer for the preparation of stable dispersions of polyaniline (emeraldine base, EB) is described in this paper. Biocomposites are obtained by oxidative polymerization of aniline in aqueous solutions containing different ratios of aniline and starch (% w/w). PANI-EB/Starch biocomposites are subjected to structural analysis (UV-Visible, RAMAN, ATR, XRD), thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), morphological analysis (SEM, Laser Granulometry), and electrochemical analysis using cyclic voltammetry. The samples were also tested for their solubility using various organic solvents. The results showed that, with respect to starch particles, PANI/starch biocomposites exhibit an overall decrease in particles size, which improves both their aqueous dispersion and solubility in organic solvents. Although X-ray diffraction and DSC analyses indicated a loss of crystallinity in biocomposites, the cyclic voltammetry tests revealed that all PANI-EB/Starch biocomposites possess improved redox exchange properties. Finally, the weak interactions at the atomic-level interactions between amylopectin–aniline and amylopectin–PANI were disclosed by the computational studies using DFT, COSMO-RS, and AIM methods.

Adsorption of water on C sites vacancy defected graphene/h-BN: First-principles study

Heterostructures (HS), vacancy defects in HS, and molecular adsorption on defected HS of 2D materials are fervently inspected for a profusion of applications because of their aptness to form stacked layers that confer approach to an amalgamation of favorable electronic and magnetic properties. In this context, graphene (Gr), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), HS of graphene/h-BN (Gr/h-BN), and molecular adsorption on Gr/h-BN offer promising prospects for electronic, spintonic, and optoelectronic devices. In this study, we investigated the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of C sites vacancy defects in Gr/h-BN HS and adsorption of water molecule on defected Gr/h-BN HS materials by using first-principles calculations based on spin-polarized density functional theory method within van der Waals (vdW) corrections DFT-D2 approach. We found that these considered materials are stable 2D vdW HS. Based on band structure calculations, they are semimetallic, and on density of states and partial density of states analysis, they are magnetic materials. The magnetic moment developed in these defected systems is due to the unpaired up-spin and down-spin states in the orbitals of atoms present in the materials created by the vacancy defects.