Multitask Quantum Study of the Curcumin-Based Complex Physicochemical and Biological Properties

Predicting blood-brain barrier permeability of molecules with a large language model and machine learning

Predicting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of small-molecule compounds using a novel artificial intelligence platform is necessary for drug discovery. Machine learning and a large language model on artificial intelligence (AI) tools improve the accuracy and shorten the time for new drug development. The primary goal of this research is to develop artificial intelligence (AI) computing models and novel deep learning architectures capable of predicting whether molecules can permeate the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). The in silico (computational) and in vitro (experimental) results were validated by the Natural Products Research Laboratories (NPRL) at China Medical University Hospital (CMUH). The transformer-based MegaMolBART was used as the simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) encoder with an XGBoost classifier as an in silico method to check if a molecule could cross through the BBB. We used Morgan or Circular fingerprints to apply the Morgan algorithm to a set of atomic invariants as a baseline encoder also with an XGBoost classifier to compare the results. BBB permeability was assessed in vitro using three-dimensional (3D) human BBB spheroids (human brain microvascular endothelial cells, brain vascular pericytes, and astrocytes). Using multiple BBB databases, the results of the final in silico transformer and XGBoost model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 on the held-out test dataset. Temozolomide (TMZ) and 21 randomly selected BBB permeable compounds (Pred scores = 1, indicating BBB-permeable) from the NPRL penetrated human BBB spheroid cells. No evidence suggests that ferulic acid or five BBB-impermeable compounds (Pred scores < 1.29423E-05, which designate compounds that pass through the human BBB) can pass through the spheroid cells of the BBB. Our validation of in vitro experiments indicated that the in silico prediction of small-molecule permeation in the BBB model is accurate. Transformer-based models like MegaMolBART, leveraging the SMILES representations of molecules, show great promise for applications in new drug discovery. These models have the potential to accelerate the development of novel targeted treatments for disorders of the central nervous system.

Theoretical Exploration of Enhanced Antioxidant Activity in Copper Complexes of Tetrahydroxystilbenes: Insights into Mechanisms and Molecular Interactions

A theoretical investigation was conducted using DFT/PW91/TZP/DMSO calculations on a complete set of exhaustive lists of 18 compounds resulting from the complexation of trans-2,4,3',5'-tetrahydroxystilbene (T-OXY) and cis-2,4,1',3'-tetrahydroxystilbene (C-OXY) with copper metal cations (Cu+ and Cu2+). The ligand-binding sites are the critical points of Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis on neutral and deprotonated ligands. Various mechanisms, including hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and bond dissociation energy (BDE(E0)) calculations, were employed to quantify the antioxidant activity. The BDE(E0) mechanism emerged as the most suitable approach for such analyses to evaluate the departure of hydrogen atoms since the results show the HAT mechanism is the most likely occurring. Particularly intriguing were the anionic Cu+ complexes with ligands adopting trans configurations and deprotonated conformations, displaying superior antioxidant activity compared to their counterparts. Remarkably, a single ligand within the Cu+ complex exhibited exceptional antioxidant prowess, yielding a BDE(E0) value of 91.47 kcal/mol. Furthermore, a complex involving two deprotonated ligands demonstrated antioxidant activity of 31.12 kcal/mol, signifying its potential as a potent antiradical agent, surpassing T-OXY by a factor of 3.91 and even surpassing the antioxidant efficiency of Vitamin C.

Hydrophilic Modification of Polylactic Acid Fiber and the Usage of Natural Dye for Multi-Levered Improvement of the Fabric Staining Depth and the Stability Effect

Polylactic acid (PLA) fiber is a degradable material with good environmental friendliness for textile applications. However, the main problems of difficult dyeing of PLA fibers were: high crystallinity to the adsorption of dyes, more ester and methyl groups producing non-hydrophilic problems, long chains making dyes difficult to penetrate, and producing a low dyeing rate. Here, we attempted to change the crystallinity of the PLA fiber to a lower degree from hydrophobic to hydrophilicity property variation, destroy the long chain structure to grant more staining sites, and improve the PLA fiber staining depth and the resilience dyeing effect with deep eutectic solvent (DES) treatment and natural dyes. We discovered that a controlled DES treatment process could make PLA fibers less crystallized, help amorphous areas form, and break up long chains, which lead to more dye sites. After DES treatment, the crystallinity decreased from 56.12 to 29.86%, and the instantaneous water contact angle decreased from 108.79 to 64.39°. The DES-treated PLA fabric exhibited a higher K/S value of 15.14 for natural dyes under specific conditions. The fabric, which had remarkable fastness characteristics and wash resistance, could endure frequent laundering and fulfill the demands of everyday use. Moreover, the fabric had good antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans and possessed a certain level of biocompatibility with fibroblasts. This DES treatment and natural dye combination method offered a new strategy for improving PLA fabric staining depth and color fastness, making it a promising option for low-carbon environmental protection in the textile industry.

Recent advances in the antioxidant activity of metal-curcumin complexes: a combined computational and experimental review

Curcumin, an extensively studied phytochemical compound, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications across a spectrum of diseases. Its notable attributes include its relatively high tolerability within the human body and its perceived absence of adverse side effects. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant effects exhibited by complexes formed by curcumin and curcumin derived ligands with metals like Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ga and In, which leads to toxic effects beyond a certain limit, based on both experimental and theoretical findings. Additionally, the discussion delves into metal-curcumin complexes characterized by stoichiometries of 1:1 and 1:2, exploring their geometric arrangements and corresponding antioxidant activity, as highlighted in recent studies. These complexes hold the promise of improving curcumin's solubility, stability, and bioavailability, potentially augmenting its overall therapeutic potential and expanding its scope for medical applications.