Cationic Polyelectrolytes as Drug Delivery Vectors: Calorimetric and Fluorescence Study of Rutin Partitioning

Association of bovine serum albumin and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride: An investigation of the effects of temperature and hydrotropes

Interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) were studied utilizing conductivity approach. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), micelle ionization (α) along with counter ion binding (β) of CTAC micellization in aqueous solutions of BSA/BSA + hydrotropes (HYTs) have been computed at 298.15-323.15 K. Increase in temperatures of CTAC + BSA/BSA mixtures in HYTs resulted in elevation of CMC due to the association of chemical species in the respective systems which reduced the degree of micelle formation. CTAC + BSA consumed greater extents of surfactant species to generate micelle formation in the corresponding systems at higher temperatures. Standard free energy change associated with the assembling processes of CTAC in BSA was found negative suggesting the spontaneous nature of micellization processes. Magnitudes of ∆Hm0 and ∆Sm0 obtained from CTAC + BSA aggregation revealed the existence of H-bonding, electrostatic interactions along with hydrophobic forces among the constituents employed in the respective systems. ∆Gm0 The estimated thermodynamic parameters of transfer (free energy (∆Gm,tr0), enthalpy (∆Hm,tr0) and entropy (∆Sm,tr0)) and compensation variables (∆Hm0,∗ and Tc) provided significant insights on the association behaviors of the CTAC + BSA system in the selected HYTs solutions.

Supramolecular Vector/Drug Coassemblies of Polyglycerol Dendrons and Rutin Enhance the pH Response

A coassembly strategy for a supramolecular vector/drug was proposed with a biocompatible ternary dodecyl-bi(third-generation polyglycerol (PG) dendrons) (C₁₂-(G3)₂) amphiphile, dodecyl sulfobetaine (SB3-12) surfactant, and poorly water-soluble drug rutin. C₁₂-(G3)₂ and rutin will mutually enhance their pH response by protonation and deprotonation of dendritic PG and rutin's ionization as the pH changes from the acidic gastric lumen to the weakly alkaline intestine. SB3-12 may increase the payload and bring about sustained release for rutin by intermolecular interactions. Self-assembling behaviors of C₁₂-(G3)₂, SB3-12, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and their hybrids with rutin were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, a fluorescence probe, and ¹H NMR. UV-vis and ¹H NMR were used to identify the position and orientation of rutin in the vectors. The functions of the vector/drug were confirmed by measuring the solubility and in vitro release of rutin. The ternary coassembling vector/drug easily imparted functions of pH-responsive and sustained release without complex synthetic processes. The nanocaves framed by PG dendrons in the micelles provide pH-responsive compartments for rutin and SB3-12 in the supramolecular vector/drug anchors that accommodate rutin by weak interactions. The finely matched supramolecular vector/drug coassemblies exhibit the pH-responsive function for a potential application in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Physicochemical insights into the micelle-based drug-delivery of bioactive compounds to the carrier protein

Micelles have ability to encapsulate a wide range of drugs and modulate their delivery to the carrier/target proteins.

Investigation of Surfactant-Polymer Interactions Using Rheology and Surface Tension Measurements

The interactions between surfactants and a drag-reducing polymer were investigated at a low polymer concentration of 500 ppm, using measurements of the rheology and surface activity of surfactant-polymer solutions. A well-known drag-reducing polymer (anionic sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) and five different surfactants (two anionic, two non-ionic, and one zwitterionic) were selected for the interaction studies. The surfactant-polymer solutions were shear thinning in nature, and they followed the power law model. The interaction between the surfactant and polymer had a strong effect on the consistency index of the solution and a marginal effect on the flow behavior index. The surface tension versus surfactant concentration plots were interpreted in terms of the interactions between surfactant and polymer. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of the surfactant was estimated based on the surface tension and rheological data. The CAC values of the same charge surfactants as that of the polymer were found to be significantly higher than other combinations of surfactant and polymer, such as non-ionic surfactant/anionic polymer, and zwitterionic surfactant/anionic polymer.

Interactions of star-like polyelectrolyte micelles with hydrophobic counterions

Hydrophobicity of a counterion has a profound effect on the interaction with polyelectrolytes similar to that of multivalency. Specifically, understanding this interaction in weak polyelectrolyte micelles might assist in developing nanocarriers for pH-controlled encapsulation and release. We used star-like weak polyelectrolyte micelles of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-P2VP) with fixed aggregation number as a model polyelectrolyte, and cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide) (COSAN) as a model hydrophobic anion. We used NMR to assess the mobility of the polymer segments in the presence of varying amounts of COSAN, and at varying protonation degrees of the polyelectrolyte. Same experiments with indifferent electrolyte (NaCl) were used as a control. Furthermore, we used coarse-grained simulations to obtain a detailed picture of the effect of hydrophobic counterions on the conformation of the micelles. A small amount of hydrophobic counterions causes morphological changes within the micelles, whereas a bigger amount causes precipitation. This was confirmed both in simulations and in experiments. Furthermore, adsorption of the counterions induces ionization of the collapsed segments of the polyelectrolyte. Although the COSAN/P2VP system is rather specific, the generic model used in the coarse-grained simulations shows that the observed behavior is a consequence of synergy of hydrophobic and electrostatic attraction between polyelectrolytes and hydrophobic counterions. Our study provides general insights into the molecular mechanisms of these interactions.

Chain conformation of poly(acrylic acid)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide)-graft-dodecyl in solution: an anomalous counter-ions condensation

A dielectric spectroscopy study on a polyelectrolyte in aqueous solutions, which contains hydrophobic groups in part of the side chains poly(acrylic acid)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide)-graft-dodecyl (PAA-g-PEO-g-dodecyl) is reported. A refined double layer polarization model was proposed to analyze the double dielectric relaxations in the dielectric spectra. Various electrical and structural parameters of the copolymers were obtained. Besides the crossover concentration, another turning point around 4 mg mL^-1 was identified through the analysis of all the dielectrical parameters including dielectric increment, relaxation time and correlation length. According to the scaling relationship between the correlation length and concentration, a necklace-like structure was predicted. In addition, 4 mg mL^-1 was proven to be the transition point between string-controlling with bead-controlling structure of the chains. In addition, the fraction of effective charges on the chains was illustrated by Ito's counter-ions fluctuation theory, as well as its linear dependence relationship with the zeta potential. Meanwhile, the counter-ions condensation behavior was consistent with the avalanche-like trend, which was predicted by theory for a hydrophobic polyelectrolyte with a necklace conformation. The results demonstrated that the electrostatic interactions were the main driving force of the necklace-like structure with pendant globules when the string-controlling structure was below 4 mg mL^-1. While hydrophobic interactions are the main driving force of the structure of bead-controlling above 4 mg mL^-1.

Cationic gemini surfactant as a dual linker for a cholic acid-modified polysaccharide in aqueous solution: thermodynamics of interaction and phase behavior

Understanding the thermodynamics of formation of biocompatible aggregates is a key factor in the bottom up approach to the development of novel types of drug carriers and their structural tuning using small amphiphilic molecules. We chose an anionic amphiphilic and biocompatible polymer that consists of a dextran and grafted cholic acid pendants, randomly distributed along the dextran backbone, with a degree of substitution (DS) of 15 mol% (designated Dex-15CACOONa). The thermodynamics of interaction and phase behavior of mixtures of this polyelectrolyte and a cationic gemini surfactant hexanediyl-α,ω-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (C₁₂C₆C₁₂Br₂) or its monomer surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) in aqueous solution were characterized by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and turbidity, together with cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). The various critical concentrations and the enthalpy changes of the corresponding phase transitions for the oppositely charged system were obtained from the plots of the observed enthalpy change (ΔH_obs) and turbidity measurements as a function of gemini concentration. The morphologies of the aggregates in various phases were observed by Cryo-TEM. Altogether these results suggest the critical role of gemini as a dual linker. At the concentrations where the crosslink between the pendant aggregates happens, the free gemini concentration is proximately zero and the aggregate retains its negative charge. The analysis of various factors involved in the interaction allowed a rationalization of the driving forces for mixed aggregate formation, which will contribute to a subsequent rational design of drug delivery systems based on this polymer/surfactant system.

Synthesis, characterization and association behavior of linear-dendritic amphiphilic diblock copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and a dendron derived from 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid

Two new amphiphilic linear-dendritic block copolymers have been synthesized and characterized. And their association behaviors have also been studied.

Self-assembled structures of anionic hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide with star-shaped trimeric and hexameric quaternary ammonium surfactants

The self-assembly of a 1% hydrophobically modified and 30% hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (C12PAM) with cationic star-shaped oligomeric surfactants has been investigated by isothermal titration microcalorimetry, turbidimetry, ζ potential, scanning electron microscopy, and (1)H NMR techniques. The oligomeric surfactants are composed of quaternary dodecyldimethylammonium ions with three or six hydrophobic chains connected by a polyamine spacer at the headgroup level, abbreviated as DTAD and PAHB, respectively. DTAD/C12PAM and PAHB/C12PAM mixed systems undergo the same aggregate transitions with increases in surfactant concentration from soluble networklike aggregates to precipitated denser and more cross-linked structures and then to soluble spherical aggregates. The networklike aggregates are generated at very low surfactant concentration. However, at the corresponding surfactant concentration without C12PAM, DTAD cannot form aggregates and PAHB forms only networklike aggregates with a very loose structure. The strong electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction of DTAD and PAHB with C12PAM and the hydrophobic interaction between the alkyl chains of DTAD and PAHB themselves evidently promote the formation of networklike aggregates. As the surfactant concentration increases, cationic surfactants become excessive. The molecular configuration is changed by the stronger hydrophobic association among the DTAD and PAHB molecules and the enhanced electrostatic repulsion between the mixed aggregates. Thus, the networklike aggregates transfer to spherical aggregates.

Cationic polymers and their therapeutic potential

The last decade has witnessed enormous research focused on cationic polymers. Cationic polymers are the subject of intense research as non-viral gene delivery systems, due to their flexible properties, facile synthesis, robustness and proven gene delivery efficiency. Here, we review the most recent scientific advances in cationic polymers and their derivatives not only for gene delivery purposes but also for various alternative therapeutic applications. An overview of the synthesis and preparation of cationic polymers is provided along with their inherent bioactive and intrinsic therapeutic potential. In addition, cationic polymer based biomedical materials are covered. Major progress in the fields of drug and gene delivery as well as tissue engineering applications is summarized in the present review.

Applications of isothermal titration calorimetry in pure and applied research--survey of the literature from 2010

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a biophysical technique for measuring the formation and dissociation of molecular complexes and has become an invaluable tool in many branches of science from cell biology to food chemistry. By measuring the heat absorbed or released during bond formation, ITC provides accurate, rapid, and label-free measurement of the thermodynamics of molecular interactions. In this review, we survey the recent literature reporting the use of ITC and have highlighted a number of interesting studies that provide a flavour of the diverse systems to which ITC can be applied. These include measurements of protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions required for macromolecular assembly, analysis of enzyme kinetics, experimental validation of molecular dynamics simulations, and even in manufacturing applications such as food science. Some highlights include studies of the biological complex formed by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin C3 and the murine T-cell receptor, the mechanism of membrane association of the Parkinson's disease-associated protein α-synuclein, and the role of non-specific tannin-protein interactions in the quality of different beverages. Recent developments in automation are overcoming limitations on throughput imposed by previous manual procedures and promise to greatly extend usefulness of ITC in the future. We also attempt to impart some practical advice for getting the most out of ITC data for those researchers less familiar with the method.