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Han Q, Veríssimo NVP, Bryant SJ, Martin AV, Huang Y, Pereira JFB, Santos-Ebinuma VC, Zhai J, Bryant G, Drummond CJ, Greaves TL. Scattering approaches to unravel protein solution behaviors in ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents: From basic principles to recent developments. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103242. [PMID: 38964196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Proteins in ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields, including biocatalysis, bioseparation, biomolecular delivery, and structural biology. Scattering approaches including dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) have been used to understand the solution behavior of proteins at the nanoscale and microscale. This review provides a thorough exploration of the application of these scattering techniques to elucidate protein properties in ILs and DESs. Specifically, the review begins with the theoretical foundations of the relevant scattering approaches and describes the essential solvent properties of ILs and DESs linked to scattering such as refractive index, scattering length density, ion-pairs, liquid nanostructure, solvent aggregation, and specific ion effects. Next, a detailed introduction is provided on protein properties such as type, concentration, size, flexibility and structure as observed through scattering methodologies. This is followed by a review of the literature on the use of scattering for proteins in ILs and DESs. It is highlighted that enhanced data analysis and modeling tools are necessary for assessing protein flexibility and structure, and for understanding protein hydration, aggregation and specific ion effects. It is also noted that complementary approaches are recommended for comprehensively understanding the behavior of proteins in solution due to the complex interplay of factors, including ion-binding, dynamic hydration, intermolecular interactions, and specific ion effects. Finally, the challenges and potential research directions for this field are proposed, including experimental design, data analysis approaches, and supporting methods to obtain fundamental understandings of complex protein behavior and protein systems in solution. We envisage that this review will support further studies of protein interface science, and in particular studies on solvent and ion effects on proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Nathalia V P Veríssimo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-020, Brazil
| | - Saffron J Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew V Martin
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jorge F B Pereira
- Univ Coimbra, CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, Coimbra 3030-790, Portugal
| | - Valéria C Santos-Ebinuma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-020, Brazil
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Gary Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Tamar L Greaves
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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Ray D, Chamlagai D, Kumar S, Mukhopadhyay S, Chakrabarty S, Aswal VK, Mitra S. Molecular Insights into the Conformational and Binding Behaviors of Human Serum Albumin Induced by Surface-Active Ionic Liquids. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:6622-6637. [PMID: 38937939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Extensive research has been carried out to investigate the stability and function of human serum albumin (HSA) when exposed to surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) with different head groups (imidazolium, morpholinium, and pyridinium) and alkyl chain lengths (ranging from decyl to tetradecyl). Analysis of the protein fluorescence spectra indicates noticeable changes in the secondary structure of HSA with varying concentrations of all SAILs tested. Helicity calculations based on the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data show that HSA becomes more organized at the micellar concentration of SAILs, leading to an increased protein activity at this level. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data confirm the formation of a bead-necklace structure between the SAILs and HSA. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results identify several hotspots on the protein surface for interaction with SAIL, which results in the modulation of protein conformational fluctuation and stability. Furthermore, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments with the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) probe trans-ethyl p-(dimethylamino) cinnamate (EDAC) demonstrate that higher alkyl chain lengths and SAIL concentrations result in a significantly increased energy transfer efficiency. The findings of this study provide a detailed molecular-level understanding of how the protein structure and function are affected by the presence of SAILs, with potential implications for a wide range of applications involving protein-SAIL composite systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiman Ray
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
| | - Dipak Chamlagai
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
| | - Sugam Kumar
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Sutanu Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata 700106, India
| | - Suman Chakrabarty
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata 700106, India
| | - Vinod K Aswal
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Sivaprasad Mitra
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
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Zhuo Y, Cheng HL, Zhao YG, Cui HR. Ionic Liquids in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:151. [PMID: 38276519 PMCID: PMC10818567 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The unique properties of ionic liquids (ILs), such as structural tunability, good solubility, chemical/thermal stability, favorable biocompatibility, and simplicity of preparation, have led to a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. ILs can not only speed up the chemical reaction process, improve the yield, and reduce environmental pollution but also improve many problems in the field of medicine, such as the poor drug solubility, product crystal instability, poor biological activity, and low drug delivery efficiency. This paper presents a systematic and concise analysis of the recent advancements and further applications of ILs in the pharmaceutical field from the aspects of drug synthesis, drug analysis, drug solubilization, and drug crystal engineering. Additionally, it explores the biomedical field, covering aspects such as drug carriers, stabilization of proteins, antimicrobials, and bioactive ionic liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhuo
- School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China;
| | - He-Li Cheng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China;
| | - Yong-Gang Zhao
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
- College of Life Sciences, Wuchang University of Technology, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Hai-Rong Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Wuchang University of Technology, Wuhan 430223, China
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Han Q, Darmanin C, Rosado CJ, Veríssimo NV, Pereira JFB, Bryant G, Drummond CJ, Greaves TL. Structure, aggregation dynamics and crystallization of superfolder green fluorescent protein: Effect of long alkyl chain imidazolium ionic liquids. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127456. [PMID: 37844813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants are widely used in medical and biological research, especially acting as indicators of protein structural integrity, protein-protein interactions and as biosensors. This study employs superfolder GFP (sfGFP) to investigate the impact of varying alkyl chain length of 1-Cn-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid (IL) series ([Cnmim]Cl, n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) on the protein fluorescence, structure, hydration, aggregation dynamics and crystallization behaviour. The results revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in the sfGFP chromophore fluorescence, particularly in long alkyl chain ILs ([C10mim]Cl and [C12mim]Cl). Tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence showed the quenching rate increased with longer alkyl chains indicating a nonpolar interaction between Trp57 and the alkyl chain. Secondary structural changes were observed at the high IL concentration of 1.5 M in [C10mim]Cl and [C12mim]Cl. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) indicated relatively stable protein sizes, but with IL aggregates present in [C10mim]Cl and [C12mim]Cl solutions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) data showed increased protein size and aggregation with longer alkyl chain ILs. Notably, ILs and salts, excluding [C2mim]Cl, promoted sfGFP crystallization. This study emphasizes the influence of the cation alkyl chain length and concentration on protein stability and aggregation, providing insights into utilizing IL solvents for protein stabilization and crystallization purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Connie Darmanin
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, School of Computing Engineering and Mathematical Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Carlos J Rosado
- Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Biochemistry, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Nathalia Vieira Veríssimo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo University (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, no. 580, B16, 05508-000, Cidade de Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge F B Pereira
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gary Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Calum J Drummond
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Tamar L Greaves
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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Moshikur RM, Carrier RL, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M. Recent Advances in Biocompatible Ionic Liquids in Drug Formulation and Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1179. [PMID: 37111664 PMCID: PMC10145603 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of effective drug formulations and delivery systems for newly developed or marketed drug molecules remains a significant challenge. These drugs can exhibit polymorphic conversion, poor bioavailability, and systemic toxicity, and can be difficult to formulate with traditional organic solvents due to acute toxicity. Ionic liquids (ILs) are recognized as solvents that can improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs. ILs can address the operational/functional challenges associated with traditional organic solvents. However, many ILs are non-biodegradable and inherently toxic, which is the most significant challenge in developing IL-based drug formulations and delivery systems. Biocompatible ILs comprising biocompatible cations and anions mainly derived from bio-renewable sources are considered a green alternative to both conventional ILs and organic/inorganic solvents. This review covers the technologies and strategies developed to design biocompatible ILs, focusing on the design of biocompatible IL-based drug formulations and delivery systems, and discusses the advantages of these ILs in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Furthermore, this review will provide guidance on transitioning to biocompatible ILs rather than commonly used toxic ILs and organic solvents in fields ranging from chemical synthesis to pharmaceutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahman Md Moshikur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Carrier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Muhammad Moniruzzaman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Masahiro Goto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Advanced Transdermal Drug Delivery System Center, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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