Re-exposure of chitosan by an inhalable microsphere providing the re-education of TAMs for lung cancer treatment with assistant from sustained H2S generation

The re-education of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is an effective strategy to inhibit the growth and metastasis of lung cancer. We have reported that chitosan could re-educate the TAMs and then inhibit cancer metastasis; however, the re-exposure of chitosan from the chemical corona on their surface is critical for this effect. In this study, a strategy was proposed to re-expose the chitosan from chemical corona, and a sustained H2S generation was applied to enhance the immunotherapy of chitosan. To achieve this objective, an inhalable microsphere (namely F/Fm) was designed, which could be degraded by the matrix metalloproteinase in lung cancer, releasing two kinds of nanoparticles; in an external magnetic field, these nanoparticles can aggregate with each other, and β-cyclodextrin on the surface of one nanoparticle can be hydrolyzed by amylase on the surface of another nanoparticle, leading to the re-exposure of chitosan in the inner layer of β-cyclodextrin and the release of diallyl trisulfide for H2S generation. In vitro, the expression of CD86 and secretion of TNF-α by TAMs was increased by F/Fm, proving the re-education of TAMs, and the apoptosis of A549 cells was promoted with the migration and invasion being inhibited. In the Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mouse, the F/Fm re-educated the TAMs and provided a sustained generation of H2S in the region of lung cancer, effectively inhibiting the growth and metastasis of lung cancer cells. This work provides a new strategy for the treatment of lung cancer in combination of re-education of TAMs by chitosan and the adjuvant chemotherapy by H2S.

Investigation of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Treatment in a Neuronal-Like Cell Model of Niemann-Pick Type C Using Quantitative Proteomics

Niemann-Pick, type C (NPC) is a fatal, neurovisceral lysosomal storage disorder with progressive neurodegeneration and no FDA-approved therapy. Significant efforts have been focused on the development of therapeutic options, and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-b-CD) has emerged as a promising candidate. In cell culture, HP-b-CD ameliorates cholesterol storage in endo/lysosomes, a hallmark of the disorder. Furthermore, in animal studies, treatment with HP-b-CD delays neurodegeneration and extends lifespan. While HP-b-CD has been promising in vitro and in vivo, a clear understanding of the mechanism(s) of action is lacking. Utilizing a neuron-like cell culture model of SH-SY5Y differentiated cells and U18666A to induce the NPC phenotype, we report here a large-scale mass-spectrometry-based proteomic study to evaluate proteome changes upon treatment with these small molecules. In this study, we show that differentiated SH-SY5Y cells display morphological changes representative of neuronal-like cells along with increased levels of proliferation markers. Inhibition of the NPC cholesterol transporter 1 protein by U18666A resulted in increased levels of known NPC markers including SCARB2/LIMP2 and LAMP2. Finally, investigation of HP-b-CD treatment was performed where we observe that, although HP-b-CD reduces cholesterol storage, levels of NPC1 and NPC2 are not normalized to control levels. This finding further supports the need for a proteostasis strategy for NPC drug development. Moreover, proteins that were dysregulated in the U18666A model of NPC and normalized to control levels suggest that HP-b-CD promotes exocytosis in this neuron-like model. Utilizing state of the art mass spectrometry analysis, these data demonstrate newly reported changes with pharmacological perturbations related to NPC disease and provide insight into the mechanisms of HP-b-CD as a potential therapeutic.

Evidence of redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in Niemann-Pick type C 1 patients: the in vitro effect of combined therapy with antioxidants and β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles

Niemann-Pick C disease (NPC) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from mutation in one of two cholesterol transport genes: NPC1 or NPC2, causing accumulation of unesterified cholesterol, together with glycosphingolipids, within the endosomal/lysosomal compartment of cells. The result is a severe disease in both multiple peripheral organs and the central nervous system, causing neurodegeneration and early death. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of NPC1 remain poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that the primary lysosomal defect found in fibroblasts from NPC1 patients is accompanied by a deregulation of mitochondrial organization and function. There is currently no cure for NPC1, but recently the potential of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for the treatment of the disease was discovered, which resulted in the redistribution of cholesterol from subcellular compartments to the circulation and increased longevity in an animal model of NPC1. Considering the above, the present work evaluated the in vitro therapeutic potential of β-CD to reduce cholesterol in fibroblasts from NPC1 patients. β-CD was used in its free and nanoparticulate form. We also evaluated the β-CD potential to restore mitochondrial functions, as well as the beneficial combined effects of treatment with antioxidants N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Besides, we evaluated oxidative and nitrative stress parameters in NPC1 patients. We showed that oxidative and nitrative stress could contribute to the pathophysiology of NPC1, as the levels of lipoperoxidation and the nitrite and nitrate levels were increased in these patients when compared to healthy individuals, as well as DNA damage. The nanoparticles containing β-CD reduced the cholesterol accumulated in the NPC1 fibroblasts. This result was potentiated by the concomitant use of the nanoparticles with the antioxidants NAC and CoQ10 compared to those presented by healthy individuals cells ́. In addition, treatments combining β-CD nanoparticles and antioxidants could reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress, demonstrating advantages compared to free β-CD. The results obtained are promising regarding the combined use of β-CD loaded nanoparticles and antioxidants in the treatment of NPC1 disease.

Insulin Complexation with Cyclodextrins-A Molecular Modeling Approach

Around 5% of the population of the world is affected with the disease called diabetes mellitus. The main medication of the diabetes is the insulin; the active form is the insulin monomer, which is an instable molecule, because the long storage time, or the high temperature, can cause the monomer insulin to adapt an alternative fold, rich in β-sheets, which is pharmaceutically inactive. The aim of this study is to form different insulin complexes with all the cyclodextrin used for pharmaceutical excipients (native cyclodextrin, methyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and sulfobutylether substituted β-cyclodextrin), in silico condition, with the AutoDock molecular modeling program, to determine the best type of cyclodextrin or cyclodextrin derivate to form a complex with an insulin monomer, to predict the molar ratio, the conformation of the complex, and the intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between the cyclodextrin and the insulin. From the results calculated by the AutoDock program it can be predicted that insulin can make a stable complex with 5–7 molecules of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, and by forming a complex potentially can prevent or delay the amyloid fibrillation of the insulin and increase the stability of the molecule.

Deoxycholic acid induces proinflammatory cytokine production by model oesophageal cells via lipid rafts

The bile acid component of gastric refluxate has been implicated in inflammation of the oesophagus including conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett's Oesophagus (BO). Here we demonstrate that the hydrophobic bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA), stimulated the production of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and protein in Het-1A, a model of normal oesophageal cells. DCA-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 was attenuated by pharmacologic inhibition of the Protein Kinase C (PKC), MAP kinase, tyrosine kinase pathways, by the cholesterol sequestering agent, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) and by the hydrophilic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The cholesterol-interacting agent, nystatin, which binds cholesterol without removing it from the membrane, synergized with DCA to induce IL-6 and IL-8. This was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. DCA stimulated the phosphorylation of lipid raft component Src tyrosine kinase (Src). while knockdown of caveolin-1 expression using siRNA resulted in a decreased level of IL-8 production in response to DCA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DCA stimulates IL-6 and IL-8 production in oesophageal cells via lipid raft-associated signaling. Inhibition of this process using cyclodextrins represents a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oesophagus including GORD and BO.

On the Interactions of Melatonin/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex: A Novel Approach Combining Efficient Semiempirical Extended Tight-Binding (xTB) Results with Ab Initio Methods

Melatonin (MT) is a molecule of paramount importance in all living organisms, due to its presence in many biological activities, such as circadian (sleep-wake cycle) and seasonal rhythms (reproduction, fattening, molting, etc.). Unfortunately, it suffers from poor solubility and, to be used as a drug, an appropriate transport vehicle has to be developed, in order to optimize its release in the human tissues. As a possible drug-delivery system, β-cyclodextrin (βCD) represents a promising scaffold which can encapsulate the melatonin, releasing when needed. In this work, we present a computational study supported by experimental IR spectra on inclusion MT/βCD complexes. The aim is to provide a robust, accurate and, at the same time, low-cost methodology to investigate these inclusion complexes both with static and dynamic simulations, in order to study the main actors that drive the interactions of melatonin with β-cyclodextrin and, therefore, to understand its release mechanism.

The Interaction of Heptakis (2,6-di-O-Methyl)-β-cyclodextrin with Mianserin Hydrochloride and Its Influence on the Drug Toxicity

One tetracyclic antidepressant, mianserin hydrochloride (MIA), has quite significant side effects on a patients’ health. Cyclodextrins, which are most commonly used to reduce the undesirable features of contained drugs within their hydrophobic interior, also have the potential to alter the toxic behavior of the drug. The present paper contains investigations and the characteristics of interaction mechanisms for MIA and the heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) system, and evaluated the effects of the complexation on MIA cytotoxicity. In order to assess whether there was an interaction between MIA and DM-β-CD molecules, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) have been chosen. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) helped to establish the complex stoichiometry, and circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to describe the process of complex formation. In order to make a wider interpretative perspective, the molecular docking results have been performed. The viability of Chinese hamster cells were investigated in the presence of DM-β-CD and its complexes with MIA in order to estimate the cytotoxicity of the drug and the conjugate with the chosen cyclodextrin. The viability of B14 cells treated with MIA+DM-β-CD is lower (the toxicity is higher) than with MIA alone, and no protective effects have been observed for complexes of MIA with DM-β-CD in any ratio.

Supramolecular Polymerization-Induced Nanoassemblies for Self-Augmented Cascade Chemotherapy and Chemodynamic Therapy of Tumor

The clinical application of chemodynamic therapy is impeded by the insufficient intracellular H2 O2 level in tumor tissues. Herein, we developed a supramolecular nanoparticle via a simple one-step supramolecular polymerization-induced self-assembly process using platinum (IV) complex-modified β-cyclodextrin-ferrocene conjugates as supramolecular monomers. The supramolecular nanoparticles could dissociate rapidly upon exposure to endogenous H2 O2 in the tumor and release hydroxyl radicals as well as platinum (IV) prodrugs in situ, which is reduced into cisplatin to significantly promote the generation of H2 O2 in the tumor tissue. Thus, the supramolecular nanomedicine overcomes the limitation of conventional chemodynamic therapy via the self-augmented cascade radical generation and drug release. In addition, dissociated supramolecular nanoparticles could be readily excreted from the body via renal clearance to effectively avoid systemic toxicity and ensure long term biocompatibility of the nanomedicine. This work may provide new insights on the design and development of novel supramolecular nanoassemblies for cascade chemo/chemodynamic therapy.

Hierarchical Self-assembly of Discrete Metal-Organic Cages into Supramolecular Nanoparticles for Intracellular Protein Delivery

Hierarchical self-assembly (HAS) is a powerful approach to create supramolecular nanostructures for biomedical applications. This potency, however, is generally challenged by the difficulty of controlling the HAS of biomacromolecules and the functionality of resulted HAS nanostructures. Herein, we report a modular approach for controlling the HAS of discrete metal-organic cages (MOC) into supramolecular nanoparticles, and its potential for intracellular protein delivery and cell-fate specification. The hierarchical coordination-driven self-assembly of adamantane-functionalized M12 L24 MOC (Ada-MOC) and the host-guest interaction of Ada-MOC with β-cyclodextrin-conjugated polyethylenimine (PEI-βCD) afford supramolecular nanoparticles in a controllable manner. HAS maintains high efficiency and orthogonality in the presence of protein, enabling the encapsulation of protein into the nanoparticles for intracellular protein delivery for therapeutic application and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.

Preparation and Characterization of Inclusion Complexes of β-Cyclodextrin and Phenolics from Wheat Bran by Combination of Experimental and Computational Techniques

Bitterness often associated with whole wheat products may be related to phenolics in the bran. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are known to form inclusion complexes. The objective was to form inclusion complexes between β-CD and wheat phenolics. Pure phenolic acids (trans-ferulic acid (FA), caffeic acid (CA), and p-coumaric acid (CO)) and phenolic acids from wheat bran were used to investigate complex formation potential. Complexes were characterized by spectroscopy techniques, and a computational and molecular modeling study was carried out. The relative amount of complex formation between β-CD and wheat bran extract was CA > CO > FA. The phenolic compounds formed inclusion complexes with β-CDs by non-covalent bonds. The quantum-mechanical calculations supported the experimental results. The most stable complex was CO/β-CD complex. The ΔH value for CO/β-CD complex was -11.72 kcal/mol and was about 3 kcal/mol more stable than the other complexes. The QSPR model showed good correlation between binding energy and 1H NMR shift for the H5 signal. This research shows that phenolics and β-CD inclusion complexes could be utilized to improve the perception of whole meal food products since inclusion complexes have the potential to mask the bitter flavor and enhance the stability of the phenolics in wheat bran.

Effects and Mechanisms of Autophagy Induced by Solubilized-Cholesterol in Hepatocytes: A Comparative Study Among Solvents

Cholesterol, the principal sterol in mammalian cells, has been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of several diseases through autophagy. Due to its insoluble characteristic, all in vitro cholesterol experiments are performed using dimethyl sulphoxide, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, and ethanol co-solvents. To investigate whether the types of solvents have different effects on cholesterol-induced cell behaviors, we analyzed the effects and mechanisms of autophagy induced by solubilized-cholesterol in hepatic cells. We found that both solubilized-cholesterol and involved solvents could induce autophagy. Solubilized-cholesterol could further enhance the LC3-II expression with or without the pre-treatment with lysosomal blockers compared with the single-solvent groups, indicating that cholesterol could sensitize cells to solvents-induced autophagy. Besides, solubilized-cholesterol and single-solvent treatment could repress the activation of AKT-mTOR pathway. Furthermore, cholesterol solubilized in methyl-β-cyclodextrin could induce apoptosis while other solubilized-cholesterol or single solvent groups could not, suggesting that different dissolve methods may affect the cytotoxic of cholesterol. These results strongly suggest that the effect of solvent should be taken into consideration in further in vitro cholesterol studies.

Lipid Raft Destabilization Impairs Mouse TRPA1 Responses to Cold and Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides

The Transient Receptor Potential ankyrin 1 cation channel (TRPA1) is expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons and epithelial cells, where it plays key roles in the detection of noxious stimuli. Recent reports showed that mouse TRPA1 (mTRPA1) localizes in lipid rafts and that its sensitivity to electrophilic and non-electrophilic agonists is reduced by cholesterol depletion from the plasma membrane. Since effects of manipulating membrane cholesterol levels on other TRP channels are known to vary across different stimuli we here tested whether the disruption of lipid rafts also affects mTRPA1 activation by cold or bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cooling to 12 °C, E. coli LPS and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induced robust Ca2+ responses in CHO-K1 cells stably transfected with mTRPA1. The amplitudes of the responses to these stimuli were significantly lower in cells treated with the cholesterol scavenger methyl β-cyclodextrin (MCD) or with the sphingolipids hydrolyzer sphingomyelinase (SMase). This effect was more prominent with higher concentrations of the raft destabilizers. Our data also indicate that reduction of cholesterol does not alter the expression of mTRPA1 in the plasma membrane in the CHO-K1 stable expression system, and that the most salient effect is that on the channel gating. Our findings further indicate that the function of mTRPA1 is regulated by the local lipid environment and suggest that targeting lipid-TRPA1 interactions may be a strategy for the treatment of pain and neurogenic inflammation.

Protective effects of beta-cyclodextrins vs. zearalenone-induced toxicity in HeLa cells and Tg(vtg1:mCherry) zebrafish embryos

Zearalenone is a xenoestrogenic mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. High exposure with zearalenone induces reproductive disorders worldwide. Cyclodextrins are ring-shaped host molecules built up from glucose units. The apolar cavity of cyclodextrins can entrap so-called guest molecules. The formation of highly stable host-guest type complexes with cyclodextrins can decrease the biological effect of the guest molecule. Therefore, cyclodextrins may be suitable to decrease the toxicity of some xenobiotics even after the exposure. In this study, the protective effect of beta-cyclodextrins against zearalenone-induced toxicity was investigated in HeLa cells and zebrafish embryos. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies demonstrated the formation of stable complexes of zearalenone with sulfobutyl-, methyl-, and succinyl-methyl-substituted beta-cyclodextrins at pH 7.4 (K = 1.4-4.7 × 10⁴ L/mol). These chemically modified cyclodextrins considerably decreased or even abolished the zearalenone-induced loss of cell viability in HeLa cells and mortality in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, the sublethal effects of zearalenone were also significantly alleviated by the co-treatment with beta-cyclodextrins. To test the estrogenic effect of the mycotoxin, a transgenic bioindicator zebrafish model (Tg(vtg1:mCherry)) was also applied. Our results suggest that the zearalenone-induced vitellogenin production is partly suppressed by the hepatotoxicity of zearalenone in zebrafish. This study demonstrates that the formation of stable zearalenone-cyclodextrin complexes can strongly decrease or even abolish the zearalenone-induced toxicity, both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, cyclodextrins appear as promising new mycotoxin binders.

In vivo preclinical evaluation of the new 68Ga-labeled beta-cyclodextrin in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) positive tumor model using positron emission tomography

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway plays an important role in tumor development and formation of metastases. It was earlier reported that cyclodextrin derivatives have a high affinity to form complexes with PGE2. Based on these results radiolabeled cyclodextrins - as new radiopharmaceuticals - may open a new pathway in the in vivo imaging and diagnosis of PGE2 positive tumors. The aims of this study were to synthetize the PGE2 specific ⁶⁸Ga-labeled NODAGA-randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB) and investigate its tumor-targeting properties. NODAGA-RAMEB was labeled with Gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga), and the radiochemical purity (RCP%), partition coefficient (logP values), and in vitro-in vivo stability of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB were determined. After intravenous injection of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB the accumulation in organs and tissues was monitored in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET) and ex vivo by gamma counter in BxPC-3 and PancTu-1 tumor-bearing CB17 SCID mice. The RCP% of the newly synthesized ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB was higher than 98%. The molar activity was 15.34 ± 1.93 GBq/μmol. The logP of ⁶⁸Ga labeled NODAGA-RAMEB was - 3.63 ± 0.04. Biodistribution studies showed high accumulation of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-RAMEB in PGE2 positive BxPC-3 tumors; approximately 15-20-fold higher radiotracer uptake was observed, than that of the background. ⁶⁸Ga-labeled RAMEB is a promising radiotracer in PET diagnostics of PGE2 positive tumors.

Cyclodextrin-Derived Intrinsically Bioactive Nanoparticles for Treatment of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Inflammation is a common cause of many acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. A major limitation of existing anti-inflammatory therapeutics is that they cannot simultaneously regulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress, and recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. To overcome this limitation, nanoparticles (NPs) with multiple pharmacological activities are synthesized, using a chemically modified cyclic oligosaccharide. The manufacture of this type of bioactive, saccharide material-based NPs (defined as LCD NP) is straightforward, cost-effective, and scalable. Functionally, LCD NP effectively inhibits inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell migration for both neutrophils and macrophages, two major players of inflammation. Therapeutically, LCD NP shows desirable efficacies for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases in mouse models of peritonitis, acute lung injury, and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, the therapeutic benefits of LCD NP are achieved by inhibiting neutrophil-mediated inflammatory macrophage recruitment and by preventing subsequent pro-inflammatory events. In addition, LCD NP shows good safety profile in a mouse model. Thus, LCD NP can serve as an effective anti-inflammatory nanotherapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mainly associated with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration.

Involvement of the PKA pathway and inhibition of voltage gated Ca2+ channels in antihyperalgesic activity of Lippia grata/β-cyclodextrin

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a difficult condition to treat because of the modest efficacy of available drugs. New treatments are required. In the study we aimed to investigate the effects of the essential oil from Lippia grata alone or complexed in β-cyclodextrin (LG or LG-βCD) on persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain in a mouse model. We also investigated Ca²⁺ currents in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Male Swiss mice were treated with LG or LG/β-CD (24 mg/kg, i.g.) and their effect was evaluated using an acute inflammatory pleurisy model and nociception triggered by intraplantar injection of an agonist of the TRPs channels. We also tested their effect in chronic pain models: injection of Freund's Complete Adjuvant and partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). In the pleurisy model, LG reduced the number of leukocytes and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. It also inhibited cinnamaldehyde and menthol-induced nociceptive behavior. The pain threshold in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was increased and paw edema was decreased in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. PSNL increased inflammatory protein contents and LG and LG-βCD restored the protein contents of TNF-α, NF-κB, and PKA, but not IL-1β and IL-10. LG inhibited voltage gated Ca²⁺ channels from DRG neurons. Our results suggested that LG or LG-βCD produce anti-hyperalgesic effect in chronic pain models through reductions in TNF-α levels and PKA, and inhibited voltage-gated calcium channels and may be innovative therapeutic agents for the management of NP.

3D-QSAR for binding constants of β-cyclodextrin host-guest complexes by utilising spectrophores as molecular descriptors

The increasing use of cyclodextrins (CDs) as host-molecules for host-guest complexes and their remediation application in environmental science requires to establish easily accessible models of "quantitative structure-activity relationships" (QSARs) to predict the binding constants. A new open-source molecular descriptor, so called spectrophores, was utilised to build 3D-QSAR models which have R² of 0.95 and RMSE of 0.20.

Steering Coacervation by a Pair of Broad-Spectrum Regulators

Coacervation is liquid-liquid phase separation ubiquitous in industrial applications and cellular biology. Inspired by cellular manipulation of coacervate droplets such as P granules, we report here a regulatory strategy to manipulate synthetic coacervation in a spatiotemporally controllable manner. Two oppositely charged small molecules are shown to phase separate into coacervate droplets in water as a result of electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic effect, and entropy. We identify a down regulator, β-cyclodextrin, to disrupt the hydrophobic effect, thus dissolving the droplets, and an up regulator, amylase, to decompose β-cyclodextrin, thus restoring the droplets. The regulation kinetics is followed in real time on a single-droplet level, revealing diffusion-limited dissolution and reaction-limited condensation, respectively, taking ∼4 s and 2-3 min. Versatility of this strategy to manipulate the coacervation is demonstrated in two aspects: spatially distributed coacervation in virtue of amylase-grafted hydrogel frameworks and coacervate transportation across membranes and hydrogel networks via a disassemble-to-pass strategy. The current regulatory pairs and strategies are anticipated to be general for a wide variety of synthetic self-assembly systems.

Di- and heptavalent nicotinic analogues to interfere with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

In the field of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), recognized as important therapeutic targets, much effort has been dedicated to the development of nicotinic analogues to agonize or antagonize distinct homo- and heteropentamers nAChR subtypes, selectively. In this work we developed di- and heptavalent nicotinic derivatives based on ethylene glycol (EG) and cyclodextrin cores, respectively. The compounds showed a concentration dependent inhibition of acetylcholine-induced currents on α7 nAChR expressed by Xenopus oocytes. Interesting features were observed with the divalent nicotinic derivatives, acting as antagonists with varied inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) in function of the spacer arm length. The best divalent compounds showed a 16-fold lowered IC₅₀ compared to the monovalent reference (12 vs 195 µM). Docking investigations provide guidelines to rationalize these experimental findings.

Binding interaction of N-acetylated acridine conjugate with ct-DNA and β-cyclodextrin: Synthesis and photophysical studies

In the present work we are reporting the synthesis and binding interaction of a saturated fatty acid containing 9-aminoacridine derivative (AC-PA) with ct-DNA and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). From Steady-state fluorescence experiments this newly synthesized 9-aminoacridine derivative, AC-PA, shows more efficient binding interaction with ct-DNA as compared to the 9-aminoacridine (AC). The extent of interaction of AC-PA and AC with ct-DNA was found out by calculating the fluorescence quenching by using Stern-Volmer quenching equation. The calculated quenching constants of AC-PA and AC are (4.5 ± 0.5) × 10³M^-1 (3.7 ± 0.5) × 10³M^-1 respectively. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching of AC-PA and AC, were understand by using Stern-Volmer plots as well as time-resolved fluorescence experiments. The fluorescence quenching of AC-PA and AC by ct-DNA are static in nature and take place by formation of ground state complexes. The binding mode between AC-PA and AC were understood by DNA melting analysis experiment. The DNA melting analysis experiments were reveals that the binding interactions between fluorophores (AC-PA and AC) with ct-DNA are intercalative in nature. The melting temperature and mode of binding intercalative mode of binding between AC-PA and AC were further confirmed by DSC and CD experiments. The steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence parameters of AC-PA are quite sensitive towards the formation of inclusion complexes between AC-PA and β-CD. Long hydrophobic tail containing acridine conjugate (AC-PA) shows more efficient binding interactions with the β-CD and the calculated binding constants value of AC-PA is 0.51 × 10²M^-1. Whereas, the parent molecule, AC not showing any binding interactions with β-CD.

Oriented acidification of wasted activated sludge (WAS) focused on odd-carbon volatile fatty acid (VFA): Regulation strategy and microbial community dynamics

As the main intermediate metabolite in anaerobic digestion of wasted activated sludge (WAS), volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are proper substrate for mixed culture (MC) polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthesis. To further optimize the performance of MC PHA production process, VFA_{_odd} (i.e., VFA with odd carbon atoms) oriented acidification process was proposed and conducted in this study. Three regulation factors including reaction pH, fraction of added β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and glycerol were selected and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to enhance and effectively regulate the VFA_{_odd} production while maintaining enough acidification degree in the WAS acidification. High percentage of VFA_{_odd} (larger than 60% and dominated by propionic acid) can be obtained in the operating condition area with glycerol addition ratio (quantified by C/N) ranging from 15 to 20 and reaction pH ranging from 8.0 to 9.5 when β-CD addition was held at zero level (0.2 g/gTSS) according to the RSM. Semi-continuous acidification and MC PHA production assays further verified the reliability and effectiveness of the VFA_{_odd} oriented acidification strategy. Microbial function group related to propionic acid production (G_prop) was defined based on the relationships between system function and microbial community structure, and 13 frequent species were found being involved in the G_prop. Roles of the group members in the oriented acidification were analyzed to understand the mechanisms of the regulation of VFA_{_odd} production at microbial ecological level. A synergistic effect of WAS and glycerol on the VFA_{_odd} production in the acidification process was revealed based on the ecological analysis.

Applying β-cyclodextrin to amaranth inoculated with white-rot fungus for more efficient remediation of soil co-contaminated with Cd and BDE-209

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of a series of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) concentrations on bioremediation of soil co-contaminated with Cd and BDE-209 using amaranth and the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium, with BDE-209 degrading ability. Results showed that the white-rot fungus was beneficial to the growth of amaranth, Cd uptake and BDE-209 degradation. Addition of β-CD further increased biomass of both shoots and roots, shoot Cd concentrations and contents, chlorophyll concentrations and soil manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities. Furthermore, well-organized mesophyll cells were observed in β-CD treatments, implying that the combination of white-rot fungus and β-CD can alleviate the stresses of Cd and BDE-209 to mesophyll cells. The BDE-209 degradation rate was positively correlated to β-CD concentration and MnP activity in soil. Our results also revealed that RF+β_0.8 treatment possessed the greatest Cd removal efficiency due to its well-configured mesophyll cells and the highest shoot biomass, chlorophyll concentration, and shoot Cd concentration. Considering simultaneous removal of Cd and BDE-209 from soil, using 0.8% β-CD to amaranth inoculated with white-rot fungus is a promising way forward for the phytoremediation of soil co-contaminated with Cd and BDE-209. A high percentage of mono-BDE was detected in inoculated amaranth, suggesting that BDE-209 was debrominated into low brominated PBDEs by the fungus in soil, which were then absorbed and further debrominated into mono-BDE in the plant.

Construction of a small-caliber tissue-engineered blood vessel using icariin-loaded β-cyclodextrin sulfate for in situ anticoagulation and endothelialization

The rapid endothelialization of tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) can effectively prevent thrombosis and inhibit intimal hyperplasia. The traditional Chinese medicine ingredient icariin is highly promising for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. β-cyclodextrin sulfate is a type of hollow molecule that has good biocompatibility and anticoagulation properties and exhibits a sustained release of icariin. We studied whether icariin-loaded β-cyclodextrin sulfate can promote the endothelialization of TEBVs. The experimental results showed that icariin could significantly promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells; at the same time, icariin could promote the migration of rat vascular endothelial cells (RAVECs). Subsequently, we used an electrostatic force to modify the surface of the TEBVs with icariin-loaded β-cyclodextrin sulfate, and these vessels were implanted into the rat common carotid artery. After 3 months, micro-CT results showed that the TEBVs modified using icariin-loaded β-cyclodextrin sulfate had a greater patency rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and CD31 immunofluorescence results showed a better degree of endothelialization. Taken together, icariin-loaded β-cyclodextrin sulfate can achieve anticoagulation and rapid endothelialization of TEBVs to ensure their long-term patency.

Influence of organic matter, nutrients, and cyclodextrin on microbial and chemical herbicide and degradate dissipation in subsurface sediment slurries

Pesticides leaching from soil to surface and groundwater are a global threat for drinking water safety, as no cleaning methods occur for groundwater environment. We examined whether peat, compost-peat-sand (CPS) mixture, NH₄NO₃, NH₄NO₃ with sodium citrate (Na-citrate), and the surfactant methyl-β-cyclodextrin additions enhance atrazine, simazine, hexazinone, dichlobenil, and the degradate 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM) dissipations in sediment slurries under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, with sterilized controls. The vadose zone sediment cores were drilled from a depth of 11.3-14.6m in an herbicide-contaminated groundwater area. The peat and CPS enhanced chemical atrazine and simazine dissipation, and the peat enhanced chemical hexazinone dissipation, all oxygen-independently. Dichlobenil dissipated under all conditions, while BAM dissipation was fairly slow and half-lives could not be calculated. The chemical dissipation rates could be associated with the chemical structures and properties of the herbicides, and additive compositions, not with pH. Microbial atrazine degradation was only observed in the Pseudomonas sp. ADP amended slurries, although the sediment slurries were known to contain atrazine-degrading microorganisms. The bioavailability of atrazine in the water phase seemed to be limited, which could be due to complex formation with organic and inorganic colloids. Atrazine degradation by indigenous microbes could not be stimulated by the surfactant methyl-β-cyclodextrin, or by the additives NH₄NO₃ and NH₄NO₃ with Na-citrate, although the nitrogen additives increased microbial growth.

Modeling Glyco-Collagen Conjugates Using a Host-Guest Strategy To Alter Phenotypic Cell Migration and in Vivo Wound Healing

The constructs and study of combinatorial libraries of structurally defined homologous extracellular matrix (ECM) glycopeptides can significantly accelerate the identification of cell surface markers involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Herein, we present a simple and reliable host-guest approach to design a high-throughput glyco-collagen library to modulate the primary and secondary cell line migration process. 4-Amidoadamantyl-substituted collagen peptides and β-cyclodextrin appended with mono- or disaccharides were used to construct self-assembled glyco-collagen conjugates (GCCs), which were found to be thermally stable, with triple-helix structures and nanoneedles-like morphologies that altered cell migration processes. We also investigated the glycopeptide's mechanisms of action, which included interactions with integrins and cell signaling kinases. Finally, we report murine wound models to demonstrate the real-time application of GCCs. As a result of our observations, we claim that the host-guest model of ECM glycopeptides offers an effective tool to expedite identification of specific glycopeptides to manipulate cell morphogenesis, cell differentiation metastatic processes, and their biomedical applications.

Coencapsulation of cyclodextrins into poly(anhydride) nanoparticles to improve the oral administration of glibenclamide. A screening on C. elegans

This work describes the feasibility of poly(anhydride) nanoparticles as carriers for the oral administration of glibenclamide (GB) as well as the in vivo evaluation of their hypolipidemic effect in a C. elegans model. For this purpose, and in order to increase the GB payload, the drug was encapsulated in nanoparticles in presence of cyclodextrins (either βCD or HPβCD). The optimized nanoparticles displayed a size of about 220 nm and a negative zeta potential (-40 mV), with a drug loading up to 52 μg/mg. Small-angle neutron scattering studies suggested an internal fractal-like structure, based on the repetition of spherical blocks of polymeric units (about 5 nm) grouped to form the nanoparticle. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the absence of crystalline GB molecules due to its dispersion into the nanoparticles, either entrapped in the polymer chains and/or included into cyclodextrin cavities. GB-loaded nanoparticles induced a significant reduction in the fat content of C. elegans. This hypolipidemic effect was slightly higher for the nanoparticles prepared with coencapsulated HPβCD (8.2%) than for those prepared with βCD (7.9%) or in the absence of cyclodextrins (7.0%). In summary, the coencapsulation of cyclodextrins into poly(anhydride) nanoparticles could be an interesting strategy to develop new oral formulations of glibenclamide.

Interaction of α- and β-zearalenols with β-cyclodextrins

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi. ZEN primarily contaminates different cereals, and exerts a strong xenoestrogenic effect in animals and humans. ZEN is a fluorescent mycotoxin, although molecular interactions and microenvironmental changes significantly modify its spectral properties. During biotransformation, ZEN is converted into α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and β-zearalenol (β-ZOL), the toxic metabolites of ZEN, which mimick the effect of estrogen. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are host molecules, and have been studied extensively; they can form stable complexes with several mycotoxins, including ZEN. However, information is limited regarding the interactions of CDs with ZOLs. Therefore, we studied the interactions of α- and β-ZOLs with native and six chemically modified β-CDs by fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence enhancement during complex formation, as well as binding constants, were determined. To understand ZOL-CD interactions better, molecular modeling studies were also carried out. Both mycotoxin derivatives formed the most stable complexes with methylated and sulfobutylated CD-derivatives; however, the CD complexes of α-ZOL were significantly stronger than those of β-ZOL. The data presented here indicate which of the chemically modified β-CDs appear more suitable as fluorescence enhancers or as potential mycotoxin binders.

Shear-thinning and self-healing hydrogels as injectable therapeutics and for 3D-printing

The design of injectable hydrogel systems addresses the growing demand for minimally invasive approaches for local and sustained delivery of therapeutics. We developed a class of hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels that form through noncovalent guest-host interactions, undergo disassembly (shear-thinning) when injected through a syringe and then reassemble within seconds (self-healing) when shear forces are removed. Its unique properties enable the use of this hydrogel system for numerous applications, such as injection in vivo (including with cells and therapeutic molecules) or as a 'bioink' in 3D-printing applications. Here, we describe the functionalization of HA either with adamantanes (guest moieties) via controlled esterification or with β-cyclodextrins (host moieties) through amidation. We also describe how to modify the HA derivatives with methacrylates for secondary covalent cross-linking and for reaction with fluorophores for in vitro and in vivo imaging. HA polymers are rationally designed from relatively low-molecular-weight starting materials, with the degree of modification controlled, and have matched guest-to-host stoichiometry, allowing the preparation of hydrogels with tailored properties. This procedure takes 3-4 weeks to complete. We detail the preparation and characterization of the guest-host hydrogels, including assessment of their rheological properties, erosion and biomolecule release in vitro. We furthermore demonstrate how to encapsulate cells in vitro and provide procedures for quantitative assessment of in vivo hydrogel degradation by imaging of fluorescently derivatized materials.

Efficacy and Safety Profile of Diclofenac/Cyclodextrin and Progesterone/Cyclodextrin Formulations: A Review of the Literature Data

Background

According to health technology assessment, patients deserve the best medicine. The development of drugs associated with solubility enhancers, such as cyclodextrins, represents a measure taken in order to improve the management of patients. Different drugs, such as estradiol, testosterone, dexamethasone, opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs; i.e. diclofenac), and progesterone are associated with cyclodextrins. Products containing the association of diclofenac/cyclodextrins are available for subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous administration in doses that range from 25 to 75 mg. Medicinal products containing the association of progesterone/cyclodextrins are indicated for intramuscular and subcutaneous injection at a dose equal to 25 mg.

Objectives and Methods

The effects of cyclodextrins have been discussed in the solubility profile and permeability through biological membranes of drug molecules. A literature search was performed in order to give an overview of the pharmacokinetic characteristics, and efficacy and safety profiles of diclofenac/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and progesterone/HPβCD associations.

Results

The results of more than 20 clinical studies were reviewed. It was suggested that the new diclofenac/HPβCD formulation gives a rapid and effective response to acute pain and, furthermore, has pharmacokinetic and efficacy/safety profiles comparable to other medicinal products not containing cyclodextrins. One of the principal aspects of these new diclofenac formulations is that in lowering the dose (lower than 50 mg) the drugs could be more tolerable, especially in patients with comorbid conditions. Moreover, results of studies investigating the characteristics of progesterone and cyclodextrins showed that the new formulation (progesterone/HPβCD 25 mg solution) has the same bioavailability as other products containing progesterone. It is more rapidly absorbed and allows the achievement of peak plasma concentrations in a shorter time. Finally, the new formulation of progesterone was shown to be safe and not inferior to other products already on the market, with the exception of progesterone administered vaginally.

Conclusions

As shown by the results of clinical studies presented in this review, the newly approved medicines containing cyclodextrins have been found to be as effective and as well-tolerated as other medicinal products that do not contain cyclodextrins. Moreover, the newly approved lower dose of diclofenac associated with cyclodextrins is consistent with the European Medicines Agency recommendations reported in the revision of the Assessment Report for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Cardiovascular Risk. Finally, the use of cyclodextrins led to significant increases in solubility and bioavailability of drugs, such as diclofenac and progesterone, and improvement in the efficacy and safety of these drugs.

Cholesterol depletion impairs contractile machinery in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

Cholesterol regulates numerous cellular processes. Depleting its synthesis in skeletal myofibers induces vacuolization and contraction impairment. However, little is known about how cholesterol reduction affects cardiomyocyte behavior. Here, we deplete cholesterol by incubating neonatal cardiomyocytes with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Traction force microscopy shows that lowering cholesterol increases the rate of cell contraction and generates defects in cell relaxation. Cholesterol depletion also increases membrane tension, Ca2+ spikes frequency and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These changes can be correlated with modifications in caveolin-3 and L-Type Ca2+ channel distributions across the sarcolemma. Channel regulation is also compromised since cAMP-dependent PKA activity is enhanced, increasing the probability of L-Type Ca2+ channel opening events. Immunofluorescence reveals that cholesterol depletion abrogates sarcomeric organization, changing spacing and alignment of α-actinin bands due to increase in proteolytic activity of calpain. We propose a mechanism in which cholesterol depletion triggers a signaling cascade, culminating with contraction impairment and myofibril disruption in cardiomyocytes.

Two-Phase Contiguous Supported Lipid Bilayer Model for Membrane Rafts via Polymer Blotting and Stenciling

The supported lipid bilayer has been portrayed as a useful model of the cell membrane compatible with many biophysical tools and techniques that demonstrate its appeal in learning about the basic features of the plasma membrane. However, some of its potential has yet to be realized, particularly in the area of bilayer patterning and phase/composition heterogeneity. In this work, we generate contiguous bilayer patterns as a model system that captures the general features of membrane domains and lipid rafts. Micropatterned polymer templates of two types are investigated for generating patterned bilayer formation: polymer blotting and polymer lift-off stenciling. While these approaches have been used previously to create bilayer arrays by corralling bilayers patches with various types of boundaries impenetrable to bilayer diffusion, unique to the methods presented here, there are no physical barriers to diffusion. In this work, interfaces between contiguous lipid phases define the pattern shapes, with continuity between them allowing transfer of membrane-bound biomolecules between the phases. We examine effectors of membrane domain stability including temperature and cholesterol content to investigate domain dynamics. Contiguous patterning of supported bilayers as a model of lipid rafts expands the application of the SLB to an area with current appeal and brings with it a useful toolset for characterization and analysis. These combined tools should be helpful to researchers investigating lipid raft dynamics and function and biomolecule partitioning studies. Additionally, this patterning technique may be useful for applications such as bioseparations that exploit differences in lipid phase partitioning or creation of membranes that bind species like viruses preferentially at lipid phase boundaries, to name a few.

Investigation of Inclusion Complex of Patchouli Alcohol with β-Cyclodextrin

The objective of this study was to improve the stability and water-solubility of patchouli alcohol by complexing with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The interactions between patchouli alcohol and β-CD were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. According to molecular modeling method, the enthalpy formation of host-guest illustrated the predominant configuration and the lowest value ΔbGo was -10.8174±1.9235 kcal/mol, suggesting the complex could reduce the energy of the system. The characterization analysis confirmed the formation of PA-CD inclusion complex, and the results indicated the advantage of the inclusion complex in stability and dissolution rates. These results identified PA-CD inclusion complex an effective way for the storage of PA, and better inclusion method still needed to be studied.

Understanding ligand-receptor non-covalent binding kinetics using molecular modeling

Kinetic properties may serve as critical differentiators and predictors of drug efficacy and safety, in addition to the traditionally focused binding affinity. However the quantitative structure-kinetics relationship (QSKR) for modeling and ligand design is still poorly understood. This review provides an introduction to the kinetics of drug binding from a fundamental chemistry perspective. We focus on recent developments of computational tools and their applications to non-covalent binding kinetics.

Enhancement of umami taste of hydrolyzed protein from wheat gluten by β-cyclodextrin

BACKGROUND

Wheat gluten was hydrolyzed by Flavourzyme and Neutrase at pH 7.0 and 50 °C for 8 h with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) employed in the reaction. The hydrolysates were enzyme deactivated, cooled and centrifuged at 1500 × g for 15 min.

RESULTS

Sensory and chemical characterization of wheat gluten hydrolysates WGH-1 (reaction conducted without β-CD), WGH-2 (reaction conducted with β-CD) and WGH-3 (β-CD added to WGH-1) was performed. WGH-2 revealed enhanced umami taste and higher hydrolyzing degree, total free amino acid amount, protein yield and umami taste amino acid (Glu + Asp) amount. High-performance liquid chromatography showed that the proportion of molecular weight 180-500 Da in WGH-2 was 11.5% higher than that in WGH-1. Further research indicated that β-CD had multiple effects on the hydrolysis. It could not only increase the solubility of wheat gluten but also form inclusion complexes with resultants. This can both promote the hydrolysis and protect oligopeptides from degradation.

CONCLUSION

β-CD was found to have the ability to increase the umami taste of enzyme-hydrolyzed vegetable protein from wheat gluten. The reasons analyzed were that β-CD could take part in the hydrolysis process by improving the solubility of wheat gluten and form inclusion complexes with resultants. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhanced accumulation of phytosterols and phenolic compounds in cyclodextrin-elicited cell suspension culture of Daucus carota

In this work, suspension-cultured cells of Daucus carota were used to evaluate the effect of β-cyclodextrins on the production of isoprenoid and phenolic compounds. The results showed that the phytosterols and phenolic compounds were accumulated in the extracellular medium (15100μgL(-1) and 477.46μgL(-1), respectively) in the presence of cyclodextrins. Unlike the phytosterol and phenolic compound content, β-carotene (1138.03μgL(-1)), lutein (25949.54μgL(-1)) and α-tocopherol (8063.82μgL(-1)) chlorophyll a (1625.13μgL(-1)) and b (9.958 (9958.33μgL(-1)) were mainly accumulated inside the cells. Therefore, cyclodextrins were able to induce the cytosolic mevalonate pathway, increasing the biosynthesis of phytosterols and phenolic compounds, and accumulate them outside the cells. However, in the absence of these cyclic oligosaccharidic elicitors, carrot cells mainly accumulated carotenoids through the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway. Therefore, the use of cyclodextrins would allow the extracellular accumulation of both phytosterols and phenolic compounds by diverting the carbon flux towards the cytosolic mevalonate/phenylpropanoid pathway.

Determining the Binding Sites of β-Cyclodextrin and Peptides by Electron-Capture Dissociation High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a group of cyclic oligosaccharides, which readily form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds to increase bioavailability, thus making CDs ideal drug excipients. Recent studies have also shown that CDs exhibit a wide range of protective effects, preventing proteins from aggregation, degradation, and folding. These effects strongly depend on the binding sites on the protein surface. CDs only exhibit weak interactions with amino acids, however; conventional analytical techniques therefore usually fail to reveal the exact location of the binding sites. Moreover, some studies even suggest that CD inclusion complexes are merely electrostatic adducts. Here, electron capture dissociation (ECD) was applied in this proof-of-concept study to examine the exact nature of the CD/peptide complexes, and CD binding sites were unambiguously located for the first time via Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) tandem mass spectrometry.

Supramolecular interaction of gemifloxacin and hydroxyl propyl β-cyclodextrin spectroscopic characterization, molecular modeling and analytical application

The solid inclusion complex of gemifloxacin (GFX) and hydroxyl propyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) was prepared and examined by UV-visible, FTIR, NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The formation of inclusion complex has been confirmed on the basis of changes of spectroscopic properties. Further the interaction between GFX and HPβ-CD was studied using molecular modeling approaches. The results showed that HPβCD reacted with GFX to form a 1:1 host-guest inclusion complex. Based on the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of GFX produced through complex formation, a simple, accurate, rapid and highly sensitive spectrofluorometric method for the determination of GFX in pharmaceutical formulation was developed. The linear relationships between the intensity and GFX concentration was obtained in the concentration range of 20-140 ng/mL with good correlation coefficients (0.9997). The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 4 ng/mL. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of GFX in pharmaceutical preparation.

Regulation of Protein Binding Capability of Surfaces via Host-Guest Interactions: Effects of Localized and Average Ligand Density

The protein binding capability of biomaterial surfaces can significantly affect subsequent biological responses, and appropriate ligand presentation is often required to guarantee the best functions. Herein, a new facile method for regulating this capability by varying the localized and average ligand density is presented. Binding between lysine and plasminogen relevant to a fibrinolysis system was chosen as a model. We integrated different lysine-modified β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives onto bioinert copolymer brushes via host-guest interactions. The localized and average lysine density can be conveniently modulated by changing the lysine valency on β-CD scaffolds and by diluting lysine-persubstituted β-CD with pure β-CD, respectively. Both the plasminogen adsorption and the plasminogen binding affinity were enhanced by lysine-persubstituted β-CD compared with those of lysine-monosubstituted β-CD, which is possibly due to the higher localized lysine density and the multivalent binding of plasminogen on lysine-persubstituted β-CD surfaces. With a change in the ratio of lysine-persubstituted β-CD to β-CD, the average lysine density can be tuned, leading to the linear regulation of the adsorption of plasminogen on surfaces.

Mutations in cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Bacillus circulans enhance β-cyclization activity and β-cyclodextrin production

Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.19, CGTase) is used to produce cyclodextrins, which are cyclic glucans with many industrial applications. In the present study, the effects of the amino acid residue at position 577, which is located in calcium-binding site III (CaIII), on cyclization activity and cyclodextrin production were investigated by replacing Asp577 in CGTase from Bacillus circulans STB01 with glutamate, arginine, lysine, and histidine. The results showed that mutations D577E and D577R significantly increased the β-cyclization activity. The D577R mutant, in particular, displayed a 30.7% increase in the β-cyclization activity when compared to the wild-type CGTase. Furthermore, under conditions resembling industrial production processes, the D577R and D577E mutants displayed 9.1 and 2.0% enhancement in β-cyclodextrin production, respectively. More importantly, the higher β-cyclization activities resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of mutant protein required during the process. Thus, the two mutants were much more suitable for the industrial production of β-cyclodextrin than the wild-type enzyme.

Fluorescently labeled methyl-beta-cyclodextrin enters intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells by fluid-phase endocytosis

Cyclodextrins are widely used excipients for increasing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Their effect on drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is explained by their solubility- and permeability-enhancement. The aims of this study were to investigate penetration properties of fluorescently labeled randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrin (FITC-RAMEB) on Caco-2 cell layer and examine the cellular entry of cyclodextrins on intestinal cells. The permeability of FITC-RAMEB through Caco-2 monolayers was very limited. Using this compound in 0.05 mM concentration the permeability coefficient was 3.35±1.29×10(-8) cm/s and its permeability did not change in the presence of 5 mM randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrin. Despite of the low permeability, cellular accumulation of FITC-RAMEB in cytoplasmic vesicles was significant and showed strong time and concentration dependence, similar to the characteristics of the macropinocytosis marker Lucifer Yellow. The internalization process was fully inhibited at 0°C and it was drastically reduced at 37°C applying rottlerin, an inhibitor of macropinocytosis. Notably, FITC-RAMEB colocalized with the early endosome organizer Rab5a. These results have revealed that FITC-RAMEB is able to enter intestinal epithelial cells by fluid-phase endocytosis from the apical side. This mechanism can be an additional process which helps to overcome the intestinal barrier and contributes to the bioavailability enhancement of cyclodextrins.

Synthesis of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/pluronic-based polyrotaxanes via heterogeneous reaction as potential Niemann-Pick type C therapeutics

Five polyrotaxanes were synthesized by threading 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) onto a variety of α,ω-ditriethylenediamino-N-carbamoyl-poly-(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic) triblock copolymers using a two-pot strategy under heterogeneous, nonaqueous conditions. The threaded HP-β-CD units were retained on the pseudopolyrotaxane precursors by end-capping the branched diamine termini with sodium 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonate. Inclusion of the Pluronic copolymers within the HP-β-CD cavities was more favorable in nonpolar solvents, such as diethyl ether and n-hexane, both of which gave better coverage ratios than polar solvents. (1)H NMR and MALDI-TOF were used to estimate the average molecular weights of the purified polyrotaxane products. A globular morphology of aggregated polyrotaxanes was observed by tapping-mode AFM imaging of dried samples. Treatment of Niemann-Pick C (NPC) type 2-deficient fibroblasts with the polyrotaxane derivatives produced substantial reductions in sterol accumulation, as seen by diminished filipin staining in these cells, suggesting that Pluronic-based polyrotaxanes may be promising vehicles for delivery of HP-β-CD to cells with abnormal cholesterol accumulation.

Coupling fast water exchange to slow molecular tumbling in Gd3+ chelates: why faster is not always better

The influence of dynamics on solution state structure is a widely overlooked consideration in chemistry. Variations in Gd(3+) chelate hydration with changing coordination geometry and dissociative water exchange kinetics substantially impact the effectiveness (or relaxivity) of monohydrated Gd(3+) chelates as T1-shortening contrast agents for MRI. Theory shows that relaxivity is highly dependent upon the Gd(3+)-water proton distance (rGdH), and yet this distance is almost never considered as a variable in assessing the relaxivity of a Gd(3+) chelate as a potential contrast agent. The consequence of this omission can be seen when considering the relaxivity of isomeric Gd(3+) chelates that exhibit different dissociative water exchange kinetics. The results described herein show that the relaxivity of a chelate with "optimal" dissociative water exchange kinetics is actually lower than that of an isomeric chelate with "suboptimal" dissociative water exchange. When the rate of molecular tumbling of these chelates is slowed, an approach that has long been understood to increase relaxivity, the observed difference in relaxivity is increased with the more rapidly exchanging ("optimal") chelate exhibiting lower relaxivity than the "suboptimally" exchanging isomer. The difference between the chelates arises from a non-field-dependent parameter: either the hydration number (q) or rGdH. For solution state Gd(3+) chelates, changes in the values of q and rGdH are indistinguishable. These parametric expressions simply describe the hydration state of the chelate--i.e., the number and position of closely associating water molecules. The hydration state (q/rGdH(6)) of a chelate is intrinsically linked to its dissociative water exchange rate kex, and the interrelation of these parameters must be considered when examining the relaxivity of Gd(3+) chelates. The data presented herein indicate that the changes in the hydration parameter (q/rGdH(6)) associated with changing dissociative water exchange kinetics has a profound effect on relaxivity and suggest that achieving the highest relaxivities in monohydrated Gd(3+) chelates is more complicated than simply "optimizing" dissociative water exchange kinetics.

Regenerative electronic biosensors using supramolecular approaches

A supramolecular interface for Si nanowire FETs has been developed with the aim of creating regenerative electronic biosensors. The key to the approach is Si-NWs functionalized with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), to which receptor moieties can be attached with an orthogonal supramolecular linker. Here we demonstrate full recycling using the strongest biomolecular system known, streptavidin (SAv)-biotin. The bound SAv and the linkers can be selectively removed from the surface through competitive desorption with concentrated β-CD, regenerating the sensor for repeated use. An added advantage of β-CD is the possibility of stereoselective sensors, and we demonstrate here the ability to quantify the enantiomeric composition of chiral targets.

Cholesterol suppresses adipocytic differentiation of mouse adipose-derived stromal cells via PPARγ2 signaling

The effects of cholesterol on cell proliferation and adipocytic differentiation have been evaluated for the first time in mouse adipose-derived stromal cells (mASCs). Cholesterol loading by using cholesterol:methyl- β-cyclodextrin (Chol:MβCD) complexes promoted cellular levels of free cholesterol (FC) and cholesteryl ester (CE), induced high cell proliferation of mASCs dose-dependently. Compared with control cells, cholesterol-treated mASCs showed an impaired differentiation process in both dose- and time-dependent manners, based on reduced oil red O-stained lipid droplets, SREBP-1, PPARγ2 and aP2 expression levels. The involvement of SREBP-1-mediated PPARγ2 in the effects of cholesterol on mASC adipogenesis was elucidated. These results point to cholesterol as a modulator of adipogenesis, which separate cholesterol itself from other components of modified lipoproteins.

Droplet-based lipid bilayer system integrated with microfluidic channels for solution exchange

This paper proposes a solution exchange of a droplet-based lipid bilayer system, in which the inner solution of a droplet is replaced for the purpose of efficient ion channel analyses. In our previous report, we successfully recorded the channel conductance of alpha-hemolysin in a bilayer lipid membrane using a droplet contact method that can create a spontaneous lipid bilayer at the interface of contacting droplets; this method is widely used as highly efficient method for preparing planar lipid membranes. When only pipetting droplets of the solution, this method is highly efficient for preparing lipid membranes. However, the drawback of droplet-based systems is their inability to exchange the solution within the droplets. To study the effect of inhibitors and promoters of ion channels in drug discovery, it would be beneficial to conduct a solution exchange of droplets to introduce membrane proteins and to apply or wash-out the chemicals. In this study, we propose a droplet contact method that allows for the solution exchange of droplets via microfluidic channels. We experimentally and numerically investigated the bilayer stability with respect to exchanging flow rates, and then demonstrated a binding assay of an alpha-hemolysin using one of its blockers. The solution exchange in this system was conducted in less than 20 s without rupturing the membrane. We believe that the proposed system will enhance the efficiency of ion channel analyses.

Dynamic lipid lateral segregation driven by lauryl cyclodextrin interactions at the membrane surface

Amphiphilic cyclodextrins, with a cholesterol anchor (βChol) or an aspartic acid moiety esterified by two lauryl acyl chains (βDLC), were designed to combine the inclusion ability of the cyclodextrin cavity with the carrier properties of model membranes. Their insertion in phosphatidylcholine bilayers induces a marked lateral phase separation into a pure lipid phase and a cyclodextrin-rich phase (LCD), organized as a 2D cyclodextrin network stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the saccharide headgroups at the membrane surface (Roux, M.; Perly, B.; Djedaïni-Pilard, F. Self-Assemblies of Amphiphilic Cyclodextrins. Eur. Biophys. J.2007, 36, 861-867). We have replaced the dilauryl anchor by a single lauryl chain grafted onto a leucine residue, giving monolauryl-β-cyclodextrin (βMLC), which readily inserts into bilayers of chain-deuterated DMPC-d27. The removal of one lauryl acyl chain leads to a dynamic membrane insertion of this new cyclodextrin derivative, with significant lipid exchange on the deuterium NMR time scale between a loosely packed cyclodextrin-enriched phase (L'CD) and free lipid regions, yielding broadened two-component NMR spectra. Like the LCD phases, the cyclodextrin-enriched L'CD regions remain (partially) fluid below the DMPC-d27 main fluid-to-gel transition but do not undergo a clear transition toward a gel state, as observed at 14.5 °C in the LCD phase induced by the dilauryl derivative. Partially fluid lipids of the βMLC-induced L'CD phase coexist with pure lipids in the Pβ' gel phase with possible exchange between them until all of the lipids undergo a transition toward an Lβ' gel state at around 7 °C. Trimethylated monolauryl-β-cyclodextrins induce only an ordering of the lipid acyl chains just above the main transition, without any lateral phase separation. Similar chain ordering is also observed within the βMLC-induced L'CD phase as a consequence of the deep membrane insertion of the monolauryl nonmethylated cyclodextrin derivative.

Quantitative analysis of pheromone-binding protein specificity

Many pheromones have very low water solubility, posing experimental difficulties for quantitative binding measurements. A new method is presented for determining thermodynamically valid dissociation constants for ligands binding to pheromone-binding proteins, using β-cyclodextrin as a solubilizer and transfer agent. The method is applied to LUSH, a Drosophila odorant-binding protein that binds the pheromone 11-cis vaccenyl acetate (cVA). Refolding of LUSH expressed in Escherichia coli was assessed by measuring N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN) binding and Förster resonance energy transfer between LUSH tryptophan 123 (W123) and NPN. Binding of cVA was measured from quenching of W123 fluorescence as a function of cVA concentration. The equilibrium constant for transfer of cVA between β-cyclodextrin and LUSH was determined from a linked equilibria model. This constant, multiplied by the β-cyclodextrin-cVA dissociation constant, gives the LUSH-cVA dissociation constant: ∼100 nM. It was also found that other ligands quench W123 fluorescence. The LUSH-ligand dissociation constants were determined to be ∼200 nM for the silk moth pheromone bombykol and ∼90 nM for methyl oleate. The results indicate that the ligand-binding cavity of LUSH can accommodate a variety ligands with strong binding interactions. Implications of this for the Laughlin, Ha, Jones and Smith model of pheromone reception are discussed.

Study on the intermediate ions formed by glutathione peroxidase mimic 2,2'-ditellurobis(2-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin) by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

2,2'-Ditellurobis(2-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin) (2-TeCD) is one of the most well-known glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimics. However, because the critical reaction intermediates had not previously been isolated or directly detected due to its short lifetime, the catalytic mechanism of 2-TeCD is not very clear and further experiments are needed to characterize each of the intermediates in the catalytic cycle.

METHODS

Using electrospray ionization mass (and tandem) spectrometry (ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS) experiments, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at the expense of glutathione (GSH) catalyzed by 2-TeCD was monitored on-line.

RESULTS

The key intermediates were successfully intercepted and structurally characterized for the first time by coupling a microreactor on-line to the ESI ion source, which permitted the fast screening of intermediates directly from solution.

CONCLUSIONS

The catalytic mechanism of 2-TeCD catalysis has been elaborated based on mass spectrometric data and exerted its peroxidase activity via tellurol, tellurenic acid, and tellurosulfide, in analogy with natural GPX.

Enantioseparations by thin-layer chromatography

An up-to-date overview of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) techniques for chiral separations of various significant and/or recent examples of enantioresolutions is reported. Furthermore, examples for chiral separations obtained on achiral commercially available C18 TLC plates are described in detail. These include the enantioseparation of methylthiohydantoin-phenylalanine and methylthiohydantoin-tyrosine using hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin as mobile phase additive and the separation of the enantiomers of warfarin and p-chlorowarfarin using bovine serum albumin as mobile phase additive.

Hollow nanosphere fabricated from β-cyclodextrin-grafted α,β-poly(aspartic acid) as the carrier of camptothecin

This research is aimed to develop a kind of hollow nanosphere based on β-cyclodextrin-grafted α, β-poly(aspartic acid) (β-CD-graft-PAsp) as drug carrier to enhance the stability of camptothecin (CPT) in aqueous media. Firstly, mono(6-(2-aminoethyl) amino-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (β-CDen) was synthesized by a substitution reaction between mono-6-deoxy-6-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-β-cyclodextrin (6-OTs-β-CD) and ethylenediamine; and then, the five-member rings in poly(L-succinimide) (PSI) were successively opened by β-CDen to obtain β-CD-graft-PAsp. The synthesized β-CD-graft-PAsp was found to form the unique hollow nanosphere with the internal hole of about 17 nm and many β-CD cavities of 0.7 nm interspersed on the shell. The drug-loading behavior of the hollow nanosphere was also evaluated by using CPT as guest molecule of β-CD. It was worth of note that the β-CD-graft-PAsp hollow nanosphere as carrier enhanced the stability of CPT in aqueous media, and the CPT from the β-CD-graft-PAsp hollow nanosphere displayed a sustained release profile and hence resulted in the essential decrease of cytotoxicity to L929 cell line. Furthermore, almost no cytotoxicity of the β-CD-graft-PAsp is desirable for the application of drug carrier. As a result, the β-CD-graft-PAsp hollow nanosphere showed a great potential as the carrier of CPT.