Solvation of diclofenac in water from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations - interplay between solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions

Water dynamics on the structural properties of some NSAID's with leucine in the picosecond region using time domain spectroscopy

Concentration-dependent dielectric response for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aceclofenac (ACF) and Diclofenac (DCF) in the aqueous leucine solution have been reported at different concentrations and temperatures (298.15 K to 283.15 K). The time domain reflectometry technique in the frequency region of 1 GHz to 30 GHz was used for the present study. Complex permittivity (ε*), static dielectric constant (ε), dielectric relaxation time (τ), dipole moment (μ) and Kirkwood correlation factor (g) have been calculated and discussed in terms of the molecular interaction of water and the used drugs. To give more insights into the structural dynamics of drug-induced amino acids, the study includes molar enthalpy of activation (ΔH), entropy of activation (ΔS), and free energy of activation (ΔF). The overall study concludes that the drug (DCF) having a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase found a higher static dielectric constant (ε0) than that of the drug (ACF) having more carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) in the chain, which is more efficient in controlling pain.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

UiO-67-derived bithiophene and bithiazole MIXMOFs for luminescence sensing and removal of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater

The UiO-67-type MIXMOF [Zr6O4(OH)4(PhPh)5(TzTz)], containing a blue-emitting bithiazole linker, is a potential multifunctional material for environmental remediation, being both a luminescent sensor and an adsorbent for diclofenac in aqueous solutions.

A coarse-grained xDLVO model for colloidal protein-protein interactions

Colloidal protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of attractive and repulsive nature modulate the solubility of proteins, their aggregation, precipitation and crystallization. Such interactions are very important for many biotechnological processes, but are complex and hard to control, therefore, difficult to be understood in terms of measurements alone. In diluted protein solutions, PPIs can be estimated from the osmotic second virial coefficient, B22, which has been calculated using different methods and levels of theory. The most popular approach is based on the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory and its extended versions, i.e. xDLVO. Despite much efforts, these models are not fully quantitative and must be fitted to experiments, which limits their predictive value. Here, we report an extended xDLVO-CG model, which extends existing models by a coarse-grained representation of proteins and the inclusion of an additional ion-protein dispersion interaction term. We demonstrate for four proteins, i.e. lysozyme (LYZ), subtilisin (Subs), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunoglobulin (IgG1), that semi-quantitative agreement with experimental values without the need to fit to experimental B22 values. While most likely not the final step in the nearly hundred years of research in PPIs, xDLVO-CG is a step towards predictive PPIs calculations that are transferable to different proteins.

Asymmetry in Drug Permeability through the Cornea

The permeability through the cornea determines the ability of a drug or any topically applied compound to cross the tissue and reach the intraocular area. Most of the permeability values found in the literature are obtained considering topical drug formulations, and therefore, refer to the drug permeability inward the eye. However, due to the asymmetry of the corneal tissue, outward drug permeability constitutes a more meaningful parameter when dealing with intraocular drug-delivery systems (i.e., drug-loaded intraocular lenses, intraocular implants or injections). Herein, the permeability coefficients of two commonly administered anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., bromfenac sodium and dexamethasone sodium) were determined ex vivo using Franz diffusion cells and porcine corneas in both inward and outward configurations. A significantly higher drug accumulation in the cornea was detected in the outward direction, which is consistent with the different characteristics of the corneal layers. Coherently, a higher permeability coefficient was obtained for bromfenac sodium in the outward direction, but no differences were detected for dexamethasone sodium in the two directions. Drug accumulation in the cornea can prolong the therapeutic effect of intraocular drug-release systems.

Gas Phase Computational Study of Diclofenac Adsorption on Chitosan Materials

Environmental pollution with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their metabolites exposes living organisms on their long-lasting, damaging influence. Hence, the ways of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) removal from soils and wastewater is sought for. Among the potential adsorbents, biopolymers are employed for their good availability, biodegradability and low costs. The first available theoretical modeling study of the interactions of diclofenac with models of pristine chitosan and its modified chains is presented here. Supermolecular interaction energy in chitosan:drug complexes is compared with the the mutual attraction of the chitosan dimers. Supermolecular interaction energy for the chitosan-diclofenac complexes is significantly lower than the mutual interaction between two chitosan chains, suggesting that the diclofenac molecule will encounter problems when penetrating into the chitosan material. However, its surface adsorption is feasible due to a large number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors both in biopolymer and in diclofenac. Modification of chitosan material introducing long-distanced amino groups significantly influences the intramolecular interactions within a single polymer chain, thus blocking the access of diclofenac to the biopolymer backbone. The strongest attraction between two chitosan chains with two long-distanced amino groups can exceed 120 kcal/mol, while the modified chitosan:diclofenac interaction remains of the order of 20 to 40 kcal/mol.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes in tetrahydrofuran solution: microsolvation from first-principles calculations

The molecular interactions between the commonly used solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are studied using density functional theory calculations and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations. The competitive interplay between THF-THF and THF-SWCNT interactions via C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π hydrogen bonds is analyzed in detail. The binding energies for different global and local energy minima configurations of THF monomers, dimers, trimers, and tetramers on SWCNT(10,0) were determined. The adsorbed species are analyzed in terms of their coordination to the surface via weak hydrogen bonds of the C-H⋯π type and in terms of their ability to form intermolecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, which are responsible for the self-aggregation of THF molecules and a possible dimerization or tetramerization process. A special focus is put on the pseudorotation of the THF molecules at finite temperatures and on the formation of blue-shifting hydrogen bonds.

Protonation-induced molecular permeation at the oil/water interface in an electric field

As a common physicochemical phenomenon, protonation can cause molecules, atoms or ions with lone-pair electrons to become charged, and can further cause some changes in their physical and chemical properties. Our study first focused on the molecular protonation process and accompanying transitions of the oil/water interface properties in an electric field. The relationship between the protonation degree increment and applied voltage was proposed as a guide for controlling the protonation via applying an electric field. Besides the protonation degree, the water solubility of the oily target molecule obviously increased at 30 V for 600 s along with electric field-driven protonation. At the same time, the electrical conductivity and the underwater interface wettability of oil phase transitioned. These property transitions are anticipated to guide the further improvement and updating of promising protonation functions.