Synthesis of calix (4) resorcinarene based amphiphilic macrocycle as an efficient nanocarrier for Amphotericin-B to enhance its oral bioavailability

The supramolecular-based macrocyclic amphiphiles have fascinating attention and find extensive utilization in the pharmaceutical industry for efficient drug delivery. In this study, we designed and synthesized a new supramolecular amphiphilic macrocycle to serve as an efficient nanocarrier, achieved by treating 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 1-bromotetradecane. The derivatized product was subsequently treated with resorcinol to cyclize, resulting in the formation of a calix(4)-resorcinarene-based supramolecular amphiphilic macrocycle. The synthesized macrocycle and intermediate products were characterized using mass spectrometry, IR, and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The amphotericin-B (Amph-B)-loaded and unloaded amphiphiles were screened for biocompatibility studies, vesicle formation, particle shape, size, surface charge, drug entrapment, in-vitro release profile, and stability through atomic force microscopy (AFM), Zetasizer, HPLC, and FT-IR. Amph-B -loaded macrocycle-based niosomal vesicles were investigated for in-vivo bioavailability in rabbits. The synthesized macrocycle exhibited no cytotoxicity against normal mouse fibroblast cells and was found to be hemocompatible and safe in mice following an acute toxicity study. The drug-loaded macrocycle-based vesicles appeared spherical, nano-sized, and homogeneous in size, with a notable negative surface charge. The vesicles remained stable after 30 days of storage. The results of Amph-B oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics revealed that the newly tailored niosomal formulation enhanced drug solubility, protected drug degradation at gastric pH, facilitated sustained drug release at the specific target site, and delayed plasma drug clearance. Incorporating such advanced niosomal formulations in the field of drug delivery systems has the potential to revolutionize therapeutic outcomes and improve the quality of patient well-being.

Chrysin Directing an Enhanced Solubility through the Formation of a Supramolecular Cyclodextrin-Calixarene Drug Delivery System: A Potential Strategy in Antifibrotic Diabetes Therapeutics

Calixarene 0118 (OTX008) and chrysin (CHR) are promising molecules for the treatment of fibrosis and diabetes complications but require an effective delivery system to overcome their low solubility and bioavailability. Sulfobutylated β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) was evaluated for its ability to increase the solubility of CHR by forming a ternary complex with OTX008. The resulting increase in solubility and the mechanisms of complex formation were identified through phase-solubility studies, while dynamic light-scattering assessed the molecular associations within the CHR-OTX008-SBECD system. Nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and computational studies elucidated the interactions at the molecular level, and cellular assays confirmed the system's biocompatibility. Combining SBECD with OTX008 enhances CHR solubility more than using SBECD alone by forming water-soluble molecular associates in a ternary complex. This aids in the solubilization and delivery of CHR and OTX008. Structural investigations revealed non-covalent interactions essential to complex formation, which showed no cytotoxicity in hyperglycemic in vitro conditions. A new ternary complex has been formulated to deliver promising antifibrotic agents for diabetic complications, featuring OTX008 as a key structural and pharmacological component.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Assessment of Fe3+ Inclusion Complex of p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Diamide Derivative

Present study deals with the synthesis of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivative as ligand (L) and its Fe3+ complex, followed by its characterization using TLC and FT-IR, while UV-Vis and Job’s plot study were performed for complex formation. Antimicrobial activity of the derivative (L) and its metal complex was carried out by the disc diffusion method against bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus) and fungi (R. stolonifer). Different concentrations of the derivative (L) (6, 3, 1.5, 0.75, and 0.37 μg/mL) and its Fe3+ complex were prepared, and Mueller–Hinton agar was used as the medium for the growth of microorganisms. Six successive dilutions of the derivative (L) and Fe3+ complex were used against microorganisms. Two successive dilutions (6 and 3 μg/mL) of the derivative (L) showed antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, three successive dilutions (6, 3, and 1.5 μg/mL) of the derivative (L) showed antifungal activity. However, all of six dilutions of the Fe3+ complex showed antimicrobial activity. Derivative (L) showed 3 and 1.5 μg/mL minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against bacteria and fungi, respectively. On the contrary, its Fe3+ complex showed 0.37 μg/mL value of MIC against bacteria and fungi. Hence, Fe3+ complex of the derivative (L) was found to be a more effective antimicrobial agent against selected bacteria and fungi than the diamide derivative (L).

Calixarenes: Generalities and Their Role in Improving the Solubility, Biocompatibility, Stability, Bioavailability, Detection, and Transport of Biomolecules

The properties and characteristics of calix[n]arenes are described, as well as their capacity to form amphiphilic assemblies by means of the design of synthetic macrocycles with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. Their interaction with various substances of interest in pharmacy, engineering, and medicine is also described. In particular, the role of the calix[n]arenes in the detection of dopamine, the design of vesicles and liposomes employed in the manufacture of systems of controlled release drugs used in the treatment of cancer, and their role in improving the solubility of testosterone and anthelmintic drugs and the biocompatibility of biomaterials useful for the manufacture of synthetic organs is emphasized. The versatility of these macrocycles, able to vary in size, shape, functional groups, and hydrophobicity and to recognize various biomolecules and molecules with biological activity without causing cytotoxicity is highlighted.

A DFT study of inclusion complexes of substituted calix[n]arenes with dasatinib and lapatinib

Herein, we have presented the results of Density Functional Theory (DFT) based calculations of inclusion complexes of lapatinib and dasatinib with calix[n]arene macrocycles. A total of 48 calix [n]arene complexes were modeled via considering varied ring sizes (n = 4,5,6,8) and upper-rim functionalization viz. SO₃H, tert-Butyl, iso-Propyl, COOH, C₂H₅OH, and C₂H₅NH₂. From the results of multilevel molecular docking, DFT energetics, and reactivity descriptors; it has been demonstrated that dasatinib form optimal complexes with calix 4f, 3f (-35 to -40 kcal/mol). Moreover, for lapatinib, hosts 3f, 4a, 1f, 3d have the capability to generate promising complexes (>35 kcal/mol). Based on counterpoise corrected binding energies (E_bind) and global reactivity descriptors, we anticipate that the proposed complexes can vitally be used as analogous to carrier-mediated-drug-delivery.

Attraction by repulsion: compounds with like charges undergo self-assembly in water that improves in high salt and persists in real biological fluids

We report a family of highly anionic calixarenes that form discrete homo-dimeric assemblies in pure water, that get stronger in high salt solutions, and that remain assembled in complex, denaturing solutions like real urine. The results reveal the potential of like-charged subunits for self-assembly in high-salt solutions and biological fluids.

A novel approach for spectrophotometric determination of succinylcholine in pharmaceutical formulation via host–guest complexation with water-soluble p-sulfonatocalixarene

Host–guest complexation between SUC with p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene. Supramolecular complex characterization by UV & NMR spectroscopy. First spectrophotometric method for SUC determination.

1H NMR studies of binary and ternary dapsone supramolecular complexes with different drug carriers: EPC liposome, SBE-β-CD and β-CD

Binary and ternary systems composed of dapsone, sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), β-CD and egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) were evaluated using 1D ROESY, saturation transfer difference NMR and diffusion experiments (DOSY) revealing the binary complexes Dap/β-CD (K(a) 1396 l mol(-1)), Dap/SBE-β-CD (K(a) 246 l mol(-1)), Dap/EPC (K(a) 84 l mol(-1)) and the ternary complex Dap/β-CD/EPC (K(a) 18 l mol(-1)) in which dapsone is more soluble.

Cucurbit[n]uril type hosts for the reversal of steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents

The ideal neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) is regarded as being a non-depolarizing equivalent of succinylcholine, having a rapid onset and short duration of action, with minimal side effects. In the absence of a single drug, the administration of an aminosteroid NMBA, such as rocuronium, followed by reversal using an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, such as neostigmine, is commonly employed. A different and safer approach to rapidly reversing the action of the NMBA, by encapsulating it with a macrocyclic or acyclic host molecule, such as the cyclodextrin sugammadex or more recently, cucurbituril-type hosts such as cyclic cucurbit[7]uril and the acyclic glycoluril tetramer calabadion 1, is described.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of a novel paclitaxel-loaded amphiphilic aminocalixarene nanoparticle platform for anticancer chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

This paper describes the development and optimization of a nanoparticle delivery platform for the anticancer agent, paclitaxel, using a novel amphiphilic carrier, tetrahexyloxy-tetra-p-aminocalix[4]arene (A4C(6) ).

METHODS

Nanoparticles were successfully prepared at pH4 by an emulsion evaporation method whereby an organic phase containing paclitaxel: A4C(6) (molar ratio 1:10) was dispersed by probe sonication into an aqueous phase containing 0.5% w/v polyvinyl alcohol as stabilizer.

KEY FINDINGS

The drug-loaded nanoparticles had a mean size of 78.7±20.7nm, surface potential of 38.3±7.67mV, and paclitaxel loading and encapsulation efficiencies of 69.1±5.3µg drug/mg carrier and 50.4±3.2%, respectively. Transmission electron micrographs showed discrete particles with no evidence of agglomeration. In-vitro dissolution into phosphate buffered saline supplemented with 4% bovine serum albumin showed 32.7±3.9%, 82.6±5.3% and 91.0±6.0% of the encapsulated paclitaxel load was released at 5, 72 and 120h, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report on the use of amino-substituted amphiphilic calixarenes for the encapsulation of anticancer agents. The nanoparticles produced were significantly smaller than, but had comparable drug loads to the Abraxane nanoparticles, and have the potential to achieve targeted delivery of paclitaxel to tumour tissues.

A novel spectrofluorometric method for the determination of methiocarb using an amphiphilic p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene

The characteristics of host-guest complexation between tetrabutyl ether derivatives of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SC4Bu) and methiocarb [3,5-dimethyl-4-(methylthio) phenyl methylcarbamate] were investigated by fluorescence spectrometry. Upon addition of methiocarb, the fluorescence intensity of SC4Bu was quenched regularly and a slight red shift was observed for the maximum emission peak. These results indicated that the SC4Bu-methiocarb complex was formed a 1:1 mole ratio. An association constant of 1.67×10(4) L mol(-1) was calculated by applying a deduced equation. The interaction mechanism of the inclusion complex was discussed. Based on the results, a novel spectrofluorimetric method was described for the determination of methiocarb with a detection limit at 0.05 μg mL(-1). This method is very simple and shows high sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of methiocarb in water samples.

Aqueous solubilization of furosemide by supramolecular complexation with 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes

The solubilization of the practically water insoluble drug furosemide by guest:host inclusion complexation with 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes has been reported. The 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes are water-soluble phenolic cyclooligomers that form inclusion complexes with neutral molecules. The solubility of furosemide in acidic (pH < 4) aqueous solutions containing increasing concentrations of the calixarenes was determined at 30°C and the concentration of furosemide in solution was determined by HPLC. Results showed that the molecular size of the 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes and the concentration of the calix[n]arenes significantly influenced the increase in the solubility of furosemide. 4-Sulphonic calix[6]arene improved the solubility of furosemide the most (± 104%) followed by 4-sulphonic calix[8]-arene (±84–102%), while 4-sulphonic calix[4]arene increased the solubility of furosemide the least (±73–81%). The increase in furosemide solubility afforded by the calixarenes was most probably the result of the incorporation of the non-polar portions of the furosemide molecule into the non-polar cavities of the calixarenes similar to furosemide:cyclodextrin complexes. The driving force for this interaction was the reduction in the non-polar-water interfacial surface area when the furosemide (guest) molecules were inserted into the 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes (host).

Proparacaine complexation with beta-cyclodextrin and p-sulfonic acid calix[6]arene, as evaluated by varied (1)H-NMR approaches

This study focused on the use of NMR techniques as a tool for the investigation of complex formation between proparacaine and cyclodextrins (CDs) or p-sulfonic acid calix[6]arene. The pH dependence of the complexation of proparacaine with beta-CD and p-sulfonic acid calix[6]arene was studied and binding constants were determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy [diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY)] for the charged and uncharged forms of the local anesthetic in beta-CD and p-sulfonic acid calix[6]arene. The stoichiometries of the complexes was determined and rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY) 1D experiments revealed details of the molecular insertion of proparacaine into the beta-CD and p-sulfonic acid calix[6]arene cavities. The results unambiguously demonstrate that pH is an important factor for the development of supramolecular architectures based on beta-CD and p-sulfonic acid calix[6]arene as the host molecules. Such host-guest complexes were investigated in view of their potential use as new therapeutic formulations, designed to increase the bioavailability and/or to decrease the systemic toxicity of proparacaine in anesthesia procedures.

Study on the inclusion interaction of p-sulfonated calix[n]arenes with Vitamin K3 using methylene blue as a spectral probe

The characteristics of host-guest complexation between p-sulfonated calix[n]arene (SCnA, n = 4, 6) and Vitamin K(3) (VK(3)) were investigated by fluorescence spectrometry and absorption spectrometry using methylene blue (MB) as a probe. Interaction with MB and SCnA led to an obvious decrease in fluorescence intensity of MB, accompanying with shifts of emission peaks. Absorption peaks also showed interesting changes; however, when VK(3) was added, fluorescence intensity and absorbance recovered and a slight and slow red shift was observed. The obtained results showed that the inclusion ability of p-sulphonated calix[n]arenes towards VK(3) was the order: p-sulphonated calix[6]arene (SC6A) >p-sulphonated calix[4]arene (SC4A). Relative mechanism was proposed to explain the inclusion process.

Study on the fluorescence behavior of p-sulfonated calix[4,6]arene in cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide solution and its analytical application

The fluorescence properties of p-sulfonated calix[4,6]arene (SCnA, n=4, 6) in cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) solution were investigated. It was found that the fluorescence intensity of SCnA could be enhanced markedly by an appropriate amount of CTAB. The results indicate the formation of complex between CTAB and SCnA at a 1:1 complex stoichiometry and their association constants were calculated by applying a deduced equation. Based on the obtained results, a new fluorimetric method has been developed for rapid determination of SCnA with a good linearity in the concentration range of 2x10(-7) to 7x10(-6)mol L-1.

Spectrofluorimetric study on the inclusion interaction between lomefloxacin and p-sulfonated calix[4]arene and its analytical application

The characteristics of host-guest complexation between p-sulfonated calix[4]arene (SC4A) and lomefloxacin (LMFX) were investigated by fluorescence spectrometry. A 1:1 stoichiometry for the complexation was established and an association constant of 6.48x10(4) l mol-1 at 25 degrees C was calculated by applying a deduced equation. The interaction mechanism of the inclusion complex was discussed and the various factors affecting the inclusion process were examined in detail. It was found that an appropriate amount of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) can remarkably enhance the fluorescence intensity of the supramolecular complex system. Based on the obtained results, a novel sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of lomefloxacin based on supramolecular complex was developed with a linear range of 0.01-3.0 microg ml-1 and a detection limit of 0.008 microg ml-1, for the first time. The method was applied for the determination of lomefloxacin in pharmaceutical preparations successfully.

Study on the inclusion behavior of p-sulphonatocalix[4]arene with 9-amino-acridine by spectrofluorometric titrations

Spectrofluorometric titrations have been performed to investigate the inclusion behavior of p-sulphonatocalix[4]arene (SC4A) and 9-amino-acridine (AA) in citrate buffer solution (pH 5.92). It was found that the fluorescence intensity of AA quenched regularly upon the addition of SC4A. The proposed interaction mechanism between SC4A and AA indicates that AA partially goes into the cavity of SC4A with the help of strong electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding, which formed by the protonated N atom and the amino groups of AA bonding with sulphonyl groups of SC4A, respectively. The inclusion ratio was 1:1 and the inclusion constant was 1.84 x 10(5) L mol(-1) at 25.0 degrees C.

Biochemistry of the para-sulfonato-calix[n]arenes

The biochemistry of the para-sulfonato-calix[n]arenes has shown rapid development during the past ten years, the highly diverse biomedical applications of these molecules now include anti-viral, anti-thrombotic activities, enzyme blocking and protein complexation. The future is even more promising as para-sulfonato-calix[n]arenes have, now, been shown to have potential in the diagnosis of prion-based diseases. Their innocuous nature, as far as is known at present, may open up their future use in medications.

Effect of 4-sulphonato-calix[n]arenes and cyclodextrins on the solubilization of niclosamide, a poorly water soluble anthelmintic

The present study investigated the effect of water-soluble 4-sulphonato-calix[n]arenes, cyclodextrins, and combinations of these macromolecules on the aqueous solubility of a poorly water-soluble drug, niclosamide. Complexation between the macromolecules and niclosamide was confirmed by thermal analysis and phase solubility studies in a pH 7.0 Mcllvaine buffer kept at 30 degrees C. Results show that the increase in solubility ranked as follows: 4-sulphonato-calix[6]arene + hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) > 4-sulphonato-calix[6]arene + beta-cyclodextrin > 4-sulphonato-calix[6]arene + gamma-cyclodextrin = HP-beta-CD > 4-sulphonato-calix[6]arene > 4-sulphonato-calix[8]arene = 4-sulphonato-calix[4]arene > beta-cyclodextrin . Type B phase solubility profiles were observed, indicating a decrease in solubility at concentrations > 0.004 to 0.005 mol/L of the 4-sulphonato-calix[n]arenes or combinations of 4-sulphonato-calix[6]arene and the cyclodextrins. However, below this concentration, the greatest increase in the aqueous solubility niclosamide was observed when 4-sulphonato-calix[6]arene and HP-beta-CD were combined. This increase in solubility was additive.

The solubilization of the poorly water soluble drug nifedipine by water soluble 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes

In this study, the solubilizing effect of 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes on the poorly water soluble drug nifedipine was investigated. 4-Sulphonic calix[n]arenes are water-soluble phenolic cyclooligomers that form complexes with neutral molecules such as nifedipine. Solubility experiments were performed at 30 degrees C using the Higuchi rotating bottle method. The amount of nifedipine in solution was determined by HPLC. The results showed that the size of the 4-sulphonic calix[n]arenes, the pH of solubility medium, and the concentration of the calix[n]arenes all significantly changed the solubility of nifedipine. 4-Sulphonic calix[8]arene improved the solubility of nifedipine the most, about 3 times the control at 0.008 M and pH 5, followed by 4-sulphonic calix[4]arene, about 1.5 times the control at 0.008 M and pH 5, while in the presence of 4-sulphonic calix[6]arene, the solubility of nifedipine was decreased. The possible mechanisms involving in the complexation between 4-sulphonic calix[4]arenes, 4-sulphonic calix[8]arene and nifedipine may be a combination of hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic bonding, and possibly electron donor-acceptor interactions. However, the degree to which these forces promote the formation of nifedipine:4-sulphonic calix[n]arene complexes with increased solubility was limited by conformational changes in the 4-sulphonic calix[n]arene molecules.