Hydroxychloroquine-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Induce Anticancer Activity in A549 Lung Cancer Cells: Design, BSA Binding, Molecular Docking, Mechanistic, and Biological Evaluation

The current study describes the encapsulation of hydroxychloroquine, widely used in traditional medicine due to its diverse pharmacological and medicinal uses, in chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). This work aims to combine the HCQ drug with CS NPs to generate a novel nanocomposite with improved characteristics and bioavailability. HCQ@CS NPs are roughly shaped like roadways and have a smooth surface with an average size of 159.3 ± 7.1 nm, a PDI of 0.224 ± 0.101, and a zeta potential of +46.6 ± 0.8 mV. To aid in the development of pharmaceutical systems for use in cancer therapy, the binding mechanism and affinity of the interaction between HCQ and HCQ@CS NPs and BSA were examined using stopped-flow and other spectroscopic approaches, supplemented by molecular docking analysis. HCQ and HCQ@CS NPs binding with BSA is driven by a ground-state complex formation that may be accompanied by a non-radiative energy transfer process, and binding constants indicate that HCQ@CS NPs-BSA was more stable than HCQ-BSA. The stopped-flow analysis demonstrated that, in addition to increasing BSA affinity, the nanoformulation HCQ@CS NPS changes the binding process and may open new routes for interaction. Docking experiments verified the development of the HCQ-BSA complex, with HCQ binding to site I on the BSA structure, primarily with the amino acids, Thr 578, Gln 579, Gln 525, Tyr 400, and Asn 404. Furthermore, the nanoformulation HCQ@CS NPS not only increased cytotoxicity against the A549 lung cancer cell line (IC50 = 28.57 ± 1.72 μg/mL) compared to HCQ (102.21 ± 0.67 μg/mL), but also exhibited higher antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria when compared to HCQ and chloramphenicol, which is in agreement with the binding constants. The nanoformulation developed in this study may offer a viable therapy option for A549 lung cancer.

Microstructure, Physical and Biological Properties, and BSA Binding Investigation of Electrospun Nanofibers Made of Poly(AA-co-ACMO) Copolymer and Polyurethane

In this study, poly(AA-co-ACMO) and polyurethane-based nanofibers were prepared in a ratio of 1:1 (NF11) and 2:1 (NF21) as antimicrobial carriers for chronic wound management. Different techniques were used to characterize the nanofibers, and poly(AA-co-ACMO) was mostly found on the surface of PU. With an increase in poly(AA-co-ACMO) dose from 0 (PU) and 1:1 (NF11) to 2:1 (NF21) in the casting solution, the contact angle (CA) was reduced from 137 and 95 to 24, respectively, and hydrophilicity was significantly increased. As most medications inhibit biological processes by binding to a specific protein, in vitro protein binding was investigated mechanistically using a stopped-flow technique. Both NF11 and NF21 bind to BSA via two reversible steps: a fast second-order binding followed by a slow first-order one. The overall parameters for NF11 (K_a = 1.1 × 10⁴ M^-1, K_d = 89.0 × 10^-6, ΔG⁰ = -23.1 kJ mol^-1) and NF21 (K_a = 189.0 × 10⁴ M^-1, K_d = 5.3 × 10^-6 M, ΔG⁰ = -27.5 kJ mol^-1) were determined and showed that the affinity for BSA is approximately (NF11)/(NF21) = 1/180. This indicates that NF21 has much higher BSA affinity than NF11, although BSA interacts with NF11 much faster. NF21 with higher hydrophilicity showed effective antibacterial properties compared to NF11, in agreement with kinetic data. The study provided an approach to manage chronic wounds and treating protein-containing wastewater.

DNA Binding and Cleavage, Stopped-Flow Kinetic, Mechanistic, and Molecular Docking Studies of Cationic Ruthenium(II) Nitrosyl Complexes Containing “NS4” Core

This work aimed to evaluate in vitro DNA binding mechanistically of cationic nitrosyl ruthenium complex [RuNOTSP]+ and its ligand (TSPH2) in detail, correlate the findings with cleavage activity, and draw conclusions about the impact of the metal center. Theoretical studies were performed for [RuNOTSP]+, TSPH2, and its anion TSP−2 using DFT/B3LYP theory to calculate optimized energy, binding energy, and chemical reactivity. Since nearly all medications function by attaching to a particular protein or DNA, the in vitro calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) binding studies of [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2 with ctDNA were examined mechanistically using a variety of biophysical techniques. Fluorescence experiments showed that both compounds effectively bind to ctDNA through intercalative/electrostatic interactions via the DNA helix’s phosphate backbone. The intrinsic binding constants (Kb), (2.4 ± 0.2) × 105 M−1 ([RuNOTSP]+) and (1.9 ± 0.3) × 105 M−1 (TSPH2), as well as the enhancement dynamic constants (KD), (3.3 ± 0.3) × 104 M−1 ([RuNOTSP]+) and (2.6 ± 0.2) × 104 M−1 (TSPH2), reveal that [RuNOTSP]+ has a greater binding propensity for DNA compared to TSPH2. Stopped-flow investigations showed that both [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2 bind through two reversible steps: a fast second-order binding, followed by a slow first-order isomerization reaction via a static quenching mechanism. For the first and second steps of [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2, the detailed binding parameters were established. The total binding constants for [RuNOTSP]+ (Ka = 43.7 M−1, Kd = 2.3 × 10−2 M−1, ΔG0 = −36.6 kJ mol−1) and TSPH2 (Ka = 15.1 M−1, Kd = 66 × 10−2 M, ΔG0 = −19 kJ mol−1) revealed that the relative reactivity is approximately ([RuNOTSP]+)/(TSPH2) = 3/1. The significantly negative ΔG0 values are consistent with a spontaneous binding reaction to both [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2, with the former being very favorable. The findings showed that the Ru(II) center had an effect on the reaction rate but not on the mechanism and that the cationic [RuNOTSP]+ was a more highly effective DNA binder than the ligand TSPH2 via strong electrostatic interaction with the phosphate end of DNA. Because of its higher DNA binding affinity, cationic [RuNOTSP]+ demonstrated higher cleavage efficiency towards the minor groove of pBR322 DNA via the hydrolytic pathway than TSPH2, revealing the synergy effect of TSPH2 in the form of the complex. Furthermore, the mode of interaction of both compounds with ctDNA has also been supported by molecular docking.

Tuning the structural and catalytic properties of copper(II)-based complexes containing pyridine-2,6-diimines

Four mononuclear penta coordinated copper(II) chelates, [CuLⁿBr₂] nH₂O, containing the tridentate neutral ligands, pyridine-2,6-diimine (Lⁿ), were prepared via the template technique. Analytical and several physicochemical methods have been used to characterize the prepared metal chelates. Square-pyramidal stereochemistry was described to the current copper(II) complexes. DFT technique has been applied to optimize the structure of the running diimines and their corresponding copper-based compounds. Ligand substitution study performed to link the catalytic potency of the candidate oxidase mimics and their lability characters. Spectral investigations reveal that nature of substituents of the chelated ligands effectively tuning the Lewis acidity of copper(II) centers. Biomimetics of redox proteins specifically containing copper were examined towards the aerobic oxidation of polyphenol. Kinetic studies with the stopped-follow technique showed a close association between the Lewis acidity of the copper(II) nuclei of the prepared chelates and their oxidase-like activity. The catalytic activity of the natural enzyme (catechol oxidase from sweet potatoes) measured and compared with that for the present Cu^II chelates. The thermodynamic parameter drive force (ΔG° or λ) of the performed oxidation processes was determined from the values of redox potential of the chemical species involved in these catalytic reactions. The proposed catalytic reactions pathways have been discussed based on the outcomes of the kinetic investigations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis, Biophysical Interaction of DNA/BSA, Equilibrium and Stopped-Flow Kinetic Studies, and Biological Evaluation of bis(2-Picolyl)amine-Based Nickel(II) Complex

Reaction of bis(2-picolyl)amine (BPA) with Ni(II) salt yielded [(BPA)NiCl2(H2O)] (NiBPA). The Ni(II) in NiBPA bound to a BPA ligand, two chloride, and one aqua ligands. Because most medications inhibit biological processes by binding to a specific protein, the stopped-flow technique was used to investigate DNA/protein binding in-vitro, and a mechanism was proposed. NiBPA binds to DNA/protein more strongly than BPA via a static quenching mechanism. Using the stopped-flow technique, a mechanism was proposed. BSA interacts with BPA via a fast reversible step followed by a slow irreversible step, whereas NiBPA interacts via two reversible steps. DNA, on the other hand, binds to BPA and NiBPA via the same mechanism through two reversible steps. Although BSA interacts with NiBPA much faster, NiBPA has a much higher affinity for DNA (2077 M) than BSA (30.3 M). Compared to NiBPA, BPA was found to form a more stable BSA complex. When BPA and NiBPA bind to DNA, the Ni(II) center was found to influence the rate but not the mechanism, whereas, for BSA, the Ni(II) center was found to change both the mechanism and the rate. Additionally, NiBPA exhibited significant cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity, which is consistent with the binding constants but not the kinetic stability. This shows that in our situation, biological activity is significantly more influenced by binding constants than by kinetic stability. Due to its selectivity and cytotoxic activity, complex NiBPA is anticipated to be used in medicine.

Therapeutic effect of dithiophenolato chitosan nanocomposites against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Our previous study showed that dithiophenolate (DTP) and its chitosan nanoparticles (DTP-CSNPs) have abilities to bind with DNA helixes. So in this study, their lethal doses (LD₅₀) and therapeutic roles against rat liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) were evaluated. The study focused on the determination of the markers of oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis and compare the results with those of cisplatin treatment. The results revealed that LD₅₀ values of DTP and DTP-CSNPs are 2187.5 and 1462.5 mg/kg, respectively. Treatment with DPT and DPT-CSNPs after CCl₄ administration reduced liver injuries, induced by CCl₄, and improved liver functions and architecture through the reduction of OS and apoptosis. Where the oxidant marker was decreased with elevations of antioxidant markers. Also, there was an elevation in Bcl-2 value, with decreases in caspase-8, Bax, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. DPT-CSNPs treatment gave preferable results than those treated with DPT. Moreover, DTP and DPT-CSNPs treatment gave better results than cisplatin treatment. The administration of healthy rats with low doses of DTP and DTP-CSNPs for 14 days had no effect. Otherwise, the study on HepG2 cell line showed that DTP and DPT-CSNPs inhibited cell growth by arresting cells in the G2/M phase and inducing cell death. In conclusion, DTP and DTP-CSNPs have antiapoptotic and anti-oxidative stress toward hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄. Moreover, DTP and DTP-CSNPs have anticancer activity against the HepG2 cell line. Generally, DTP-CSNPs are more effective than DTP. So, they can be used in the pharmacological fields, especially DTP-CSNPs.

A Titanium (IV)-Dithiophenolate Complex and Its Chitosan Nanocomposite: Their Roles towards Rat Liver Injuries In Vivo and against Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines

Titanium (IV)–dithiophenolate complex chitosan nanocomposites (DBT–CSNPs) are featured by their antibacterial activities, cytotoxicity, and capacity to bind with DNA helixes. In this study, their therapeutic effects against rat liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and their anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines were determined. Results of treatment were compared with cisplatin treatment. Markers of apoptosis, oxidative stress, liver functions, and liver histopathology were determined. The results showed that DBT–CSNPs and DBT treatments abolished liver damage induced by CCl₄ and improved liver architecture and functions. DNA fragmentation, Bax, and caspase-8 were reduced, but Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were increased. However, there was a non-significant change in the oxidative stress markers. DBT–CSNPs and DBT inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by arresting cells in the G2/M phase and inducing cell death. DBT–CSNPs were more efficient than DBT. Low doses of DBT and DBT–CSNPs applied to healthy rats for 14 days had no adverse effect. DBT and DBT–CSNP treatment gave preferable results than the treatment with cisplatin. In conclusion, DBT–CSNPs and DBT have anti-apoptotic activities against liver injuries and have anti-neoplastic impacts. DBT–CSNPs are more efficient. Both compounds can be used in pharmacological fields.

Water soluble porphyrin as optical sensor for the toxic heavy metal ions in an aqueous medium

Here we report the photophysical and sensing properties of the aqueous solution of meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin toluene sulfonate (TMPP) for simultaneous detection of toxic metal ions in an aqueous medium by using different physiochemical methods such as UV-vis absorption, steady state and time resolved fluorescence, stopped flow, and cyclic voltammetry. The steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectra in organic solvents (EtOH, DMSO, DMF, MeOH and ACN) showed the formation of monomer form (λ_max^abs = 426 nm and λ_max^flu = 654 and 715 nm). In THF and water, different spectral features were recorded suggested the formation of aggregated forms in both solvents. The formation of aggregated form in water was confirmed by recording the remarkable fluorescence quenching of the singlet excited TMPP with increasing the concentrations of TMPP. In cationic micelles (CTAB), both the absorption and fluorescence spectra were significantly decreased with increasing the concentrations of CTAB with a break at CMC value at 6.0 × 10^-5 M. In an anionic micelle (SDS), the CMC value was found to be 1.0 × 10^-4 M. Upon interacting with different metal ions, the absorption and fluorescence spectra of TMPP showed different features depending on the metal ions. While the optical studies of TMPP showed no significant interaction in the presence of Mn⁺², Co⁺², Ba²⁺, and Ni⁺², TMPP showed that it can function as a single optical chemical sensor for the toxic metal ions in water, particularly Hg⁺², Pb⁺², Cu⁺², and Cd⁺² ions.

Probing the interaction of iron complex containing N3S2 macrocyclic ligand with bovine serum albumin using spectroscopic techniques

The interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with seven-coordination iron (II) complex containing sulfur-based macrocyclic ligand was investigated by means of UV/vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching technique. The accurate fluorescence spectra are obtained by using Inner filter effect (IFE) correction. The apparent association constant, k_app, the number of binding sites, n, and the apparent binding constant K_SV were found to be 0.95 × 10³ M^-1, 0.96, and 6.13 × 10⁴ M^-1, respectively. It found that BSA molecules are adsorbed on the surface of iron (II) complex by electrostatic interaction. The quenching mechanism is discussed involving energy transfer from BSA to iron (II) complex.

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of ternary copper(ii) complexes containing nitrogen and oxygen donors as functional mimics of catechol oxidase and phenoxazinone synthase

Two ternary copper(ii) complexes 1 [(Cu₂Me₄en)₄(EDTA)] and 2 [(CuMe₄en)₂(MIDA)] containing the mixed ligand system of 1,1′,4,4′-tetramethylethylenediamine (Me₄en) (L) and N-methyliminodiacetic (MIDAH₂) (L′) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTAH₄) (L′) were synthesized.

Intramolecular electron transfer of light harvesting perylene-pyrene supramolecular conjugate

Electronic interactions between the cationic N,N'-bis(2(trimethylammonium iodide) ethylene)perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyldiimide (TAIPDI) with two electron donors, namely, pyrene (Py) and 1-pyrenesulfonic acid sodium salt (PySA), have been investigated. The spectroscopic studies showed the formation of the supramolecular conjugate between TAIPDI and PySA via ionic interaction, but not with Py. Density functional theory (DFT) combined with a natural energy decomposition analysis (NEDA) technique showed an S-like structure of the supramolecular conjugate TAIPDI-PySA via an ionic interaction. The formation constant of the TAIPDI-PySA supramolecular conjugate was determined to be 3.0 × 104 M-1, suggesting a fairly stable complex formation. The excited state events were monitored by both steady state and time-resolved emission techniques. Upon excitation, the quenching pathways via the singlet-excited states of TAIPDI and PySA involved the intramolecular electron transfer from the electron donating PySA to the electron accepting TAIPDI with a rate constant of 1.10 × 1011 s-1 and a quantum yield of 0.99. The thermodynamic parameters of the supramolecular TAIPDI-PySA conjugate have been determined using the stopped-flow technique.

A light harvesting perylene derivative - zinc phthalocyanine complex in water: spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies

A perylene derivative, namely N,N'-bis(2(trimethylammonium iodide)ethylene)perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyldiimide (TAIPDI) forms nanoscale columnar stacks in water that have been characterized by using optical absorption and emission measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This behaviour was compared with that of unstacked TAIPDI in methanol. Assembly formation between the one-dimensional TAIPDI stacks and zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulphonic groups (ZnPcS₄) via strong π-π and ionic interactions has been described in an aqueous medium. The formation constant of the supramolecular dyad has been determined as 2.94 × 10⁴ M^-1 from both the absorption and fluorescence measurements. Upon addition of ZnPcS₄, the fluorescence quenching of the singlet-excited state of TAIPDI was observed because of the electron transfer process from ZnPcS₄ to TAIPDI via the singlet-excited states of ZnPcS₄ and TAIPDI entities. The electrochemical studies supported the electron transfer pathways via the singlet states of ZnPcS₄ and TAIPDI. The thermodynamic parameters of the supramolecular complex have been determined from stopped-flow measurements. The interaction between ZnPcS₄ and TAIPDI occurs in two steps, where the rate constant of the second step with TAIPDI (207 ± 8 M^-1 s^-1) is much slower than the first one (3515 ± 101 M^-1 s^-1). Activation parameters for the complex formation (ΔH^# = 76 ± 11 kJ mol^-1 and ΔS^# = 83 ± 37 J K^-1 mol^-1, and ΔH^# = 221 ± 15 kJ mol^-1 and ΔS^# = 540 ± 50 J K^-1 mol^-1) were determined from variable temperature studies for the first and second steps, respectively. The significantly positive ΔS^# values found for both steps of the interaction reactions are consistent with a dissociative mechanism.

Spectroscopic, thermodynamic, kinetic studies and oxidase/antioxidant biomimetic catalytic activities of tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate Cu(II) complexes

A series of copper(ii) complexes, viz. [Tp(MeMe)Cu(Cl)(H2O)] (), [Tp(MeMe)Cu(OAc)(H2O)] (), [Tp(MeMe)Cu(NO3)] () and [Tp(MeMe)Cu(ClO4)] () containing tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate (KTp(MeMe)), have been synthesized and fully characterized. The substitution reaction of with thiourea was studied under pseudo-first-order conditions as a function of concentration, temperature and pressure in methanol and acetonitrile as solvents. Two reaction steps that both depended on the nucleophile concentration were observed for both solvents. Substitution of coordinated methanol is about 40 times faster than the substitution of chloride. In acetonitrile, the rate constant for the displacement of coordinated acetonitrile was more than 20 times faster than the substitution of chloride. The reported activation parameters indicate that both reaction steps follow a dissociative mechanism in both solvents. On going from methanol to acetonitrile, the rate constant for the displacement of the solvent becomes more than 200 times faster due to the more labile acetonitrile, but the substitution mechanism remained to have a dissociative character. The antioxidant activities of were evaluated for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST0 and glutathione reduced (GSH-Rd) activity. and were found to show (p < 0.05) the highest antioxidant activity in comparison to and , which can be ascribed to the geometric configuration as well as the nature of the co-ligand. showed catechol oxidase activity with turnover numbers of 20 min(-1) and a coordination affinity for 3,5-DTBC of K1, = 31 mM(-1). K1 is rather large and seems to be typical for faster biomimetic models, and also for the enzyme itself (25 mM(-1)). The reaction rate depended linearly on the complex concentration, indicating a first-order dependence on the catalyst concentration.

Positron annihilation lifetime studies of changes in free volume on some biorelevant nitrogen heterocyclic compounds and their S-glycosylation

A series of N-heterocyclic compounds was investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy as well as Doppler broadening of annihilation radiation (DBAR) at room temperature. The results showed that the formation probability and life time of ortho-positronium in this series are structure and electron-donation character dependent, and can give more information about the structure. The DBAR provides direct information about the change of core and valance electrons as well as the number of defect types present in these compounds.

Five-coordinate Zinc(II) Complexes Containing Sterically Demanding Bio-mimetic N3S2 Ligands. Syntheses, Characterization and DFT Calculations

In search of complexes having [ZnN3S2] cores in the monomeric form with trans-thiolate donor atoms, new sterically demanding tri- and pentadentate ligands containing biomimetic N3S2 cores have been synthesized. The reaction of bis(2-mercapto-3,5-di-tert-butylaniline)zinc(II) with 2,6- diacetylpyridine leads to the formation of the zinc imine [Zn(pytBuN2Me2S2)] (3) which is stable and can be isolated and characterized in the solid state. Complex 3 can be converted to the zinc amine function [Zn(pytBuN2H2Me2S2)] (5) without losing the metal center using NaBH4 in methanol solution. On the other hand, complex 3 can be demetallated in an acidic medium to give the tridentate bis-benzothiazoline ligand 4. Alternatively, ligand 4 can be obtained via condensation of 3,5-di-tertbutylmercaptoaniline with 2,6-diacetylpyridine in a 2:1 molar ratio. Opening the bis-benzothiazoline ligand 4 either by reduction with NaBH4 in methanol or by zinc acetate leads to the formation of the pentadentate dithiole-amine ligand pytBuN2H2Me2S2-H2 (6), and the zinc imine complex 3, respectively. Ligand 6 can also be obtained via demetallation of the zinc amine complex 5 in acidic medium. All compounds have been characterized using spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis, and also by using DFT (B3LYP/6-31G∗) calculations in combination with experimental NMR data.

Synthesis and photophysical studies of porphyrin-ferrocene conjugates

The porphyrin-ferrocene conjugates ( P-nFc; n = 1, 2 and 4 ), which are simple examples of a donor-acceptor charge separation system, were synthesized. Their photoindued intramolecular and intermolecular processes have been investigated by time-resolved emission and nanosecond transient absorption techniques. Upon excitation of the porphyrins ( H 2P and ZnP ) moieties, an efficient fluorescence quenching of the excited singlet porphyrin is observed. It was found that the quenching efficiency increases with increasing number of attached ferrocene moieties and solvent polarity. The main quenching pathway involves (i) electron transfer from ferrocene to the singlet excited porphyrin and (ii) the heavy-atom effect.