Cooperative binding of an anticancer drug in a guest–host–protein assembly

The supramolecular formation of an anticancer drug (6-mercaptopurine (6-MP)) in an acetate buffer solution was demonstrated through a host–guest interaction with the macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). With the help of ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, it was shown that a binary complex formed between 6-MP and Q[7] and/or BSA, and a specific binding interaction took place between 6-MP and Q[7] in the presence of BSA. The inclusion constants and thermodynamic parameters were determined at different temperatures. The data suggested that the formation of the binary 6-MP–Q[7] complex was driven by enthalpy in the presence of an unfavourable entropy, which was attributed to the van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions. The fluorescence quenching of BSA by 6-MP was a result of the formation of the 6-MP–BSA complex. This quenching occurred by a static quenching mechanism, and hydrophobic forces played predominant roles in the binding process. Moreover, the absorption data suggested that the interaction between 6-MP and Q[7] or BSA was a competitive process. In addition, the effect of 6-MP on BSA conformation was investigated by synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectra.     

Solubility enhancement of kinetin through host–guest interactions with cucurbiturils

We explored the use of cucurbiturils to form inclusion complexes to overcome the solubility problems of kinetin, a plant cytokinin. Inclusion complexes between kinetin and Q[7], TMeQ[6] and HMeQ[6] in aqueous solution and in solid state were investigated by phase solubility studies, ¹H NMR and IR. The effects of pH and temperature on complex stability were also investigated. Phase solubility studies showed that kinetin solubility increased in a linear fashion as a function of Q[7] and TMeQ[6] concentrations. However, kinetin solubility increased first, then decreased as the HMeQ[6] concentration increased, and the maximum solubility of kinetin was achieved at 4.95 mM in HMeQ[6]. The solubility of kinetin as well as the stability constant of its complex with Q[7] were affected by the pH of the medium. The thermodynamic parameters of the complex formation were also determined, and it showed that the formation of the inclusion complexes between kinetin and Q[7] was enthalpy controlled, suggesting that hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions were the main driving forces. Moreover, we found that the size of the cavity of cucurbituril played an important role in the association process. The formation of inclusion complexes between Q[7], TMeQ[6] and HMeQ[6] with kinetin was confirmed by ¹H NMR, and IR spectroscopy showed the presence of inclusion complexes in solid state. Our results demonstrated that the complexation of kinetin with Q[n] could be used to improve the solubility of kinetin in aqueous solution.     

Encapsulation of adefovir bis(l-leucine propyl)ester pro-virucide in cucurbit[7]uril and its activity against tobacco mosaic virus

The interaction of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) with a pro-virucide, adefovir bis(l-leucine propyl)ester (PMEA-Leu) in aqueous solutions and in solid state was studied by ¹H NMR, UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and IR spectroscopy. The ¹H NMR revealed that the leucine propyl moiety of the compound could be entrapped in the cavity of the host Q[7], and the other moiety except for leucine propyl moieties, including aminopurine, was probably located at the portal area of Q[7]. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy proved that the interaction of Q[7] with PMEA-Leu led to the formation of host–guest inclusion complexes (2:1) that were controlled by the concentration of the host Q[7]. Formation of the inclusion complex between Q[7] and PMEA-Leu was confirmed by IR spectroscopy in solid state. In addition, deliquescent stability studies indicated that the moisture stability of the host–guest complex was significantly enhanced. The phenomenon was explained by the fact that the formation of solid inclusion complexes can prevent the compounds from absorbing water. Finally, bioactivity of PMEA-Leu and its inclusion complex against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was tested. The compound PMEA-Leu and its inclusion complexes showed some inhibitory activity against TMV at 500 μg/ml in vivo.     

Host–guest interactions of thiabendazole with normal and modified cucurbituril: 1H NMR,phase solubility and antifungal activity studies

Guest–host inclusion complexes between thiabendazole (TBZ) and cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]), symmetrical tetra-methylcucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) and meta-hexamethyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril (HMeQ[6]) in aqueous solution were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and phase solubility studies. The antifungal activities of the inclusion complexes were also determined. Analysis of the ¹H NMR spectra revealed that the host Q[7] selectively binds the benzimidazole ring moiety of the guest molecule and that the thiazole ring is encapsulated into the cavities of TMeQ[6] and HMeQ[6]. Phase solubility diagrams were analysed using rigorous procedures to obtain estimates of the complex formation constants for Q[n]-TBZ complexation. The phase solubility studies showed that TBZ solubility increased as a function of Q[7], TMeQ[6] and HMeQ[6] concentrations. We found that complexation of TBZ with Q[n] increased the inhibitory effect of TBZ on the growth of Fusarium graminearum. Our results thus demonstrate that complexation of TBZ with Q[n] could be used to improve the solubility and antifungal activity of TBZ.     

Supramolecular assemblies of cucurbit[n]urils and 4-aminopyridine controlled by cucurbit[n]uril size (n = 5, 6, 7 and 8)

The binding interactions between 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and a series of cucurbit[n]urils (Q[5], Q[6], TMeQ[6], Q[7], Q[8]) have been studied using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and X-ray crystallography. The data indicates that the Q[5]@4-AP complex exhibits exo binding, which is not observed in the other four host-guest complexes. Furthermore, X-ray crystallography clearly reveals how the Q[n]s bind with 4-AP to form complexes, for example Q[5] forms an outer-surface complex, whilst Q[6], TMeQ[6] and Q[7] formed 1:1 host and guest type complexes, and Q[8] formed a stable 1:2 ternary complex due to its large cavity, which can accommodate two 4-AP molecules.     

Host–guest interactions of 6-benzyladenine with normal and modified cucurbituril: 1H NMR,UV absorption spectroscopy and phase solubility methods

Guest–host inclusion complexes between 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]), symmetrical tetramethylcucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) and meta-hexamethyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril (HMeQ[6]) in aqueous solution were investigated by ¹H NMR, UV absorption spectroscopy and phase solubility studies. The ¹H NMR spectra analysis revealed that the hosts selectively bound the phenyl moiety of the guests. Absorption spectroscopic analysis defined the stability of the host–guest inclusion complexes. A host:guest ratio of 1:1 was measured quantitatively as (5.63 ± 0.26) × 10⁴, (1.94 ± 0.17) × 10³ and (2.89 ± 0.23) × 10³ mol L^? 1 for the Q[7]-6-BA, TMeQ[6]-6-BA and HMeQ[6]-6-BA systems, respectively. Phase solubility diagrams were analysed through rigorous procedures to obtain estimates of the complex formation constants for Q[n]-6-BA complexation. The formation constants were (1.29 ± 0.24) × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-6-BA, (3.20 ± 0.17) × 10³ L mol^? 1 for TMeQ[6]-6-BA and (3.52 ± 1.01) × 10³ L mol^? 1 for TMeQ[6]-6-BA. Furthermore, phase solubility studies showed that 6-BA solubility increased as a function of Q[7], TMeQ[6] and HMeQ[6] concentrations. The thermodynamic parameters of the complex formation were also determined. The formation of inclusion complexes between 6-BA and Q[7] was enthalpy controlled, suggesting that hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions were the main driving forces. Our results demonstrated that the complexation of 6-BA with Q[n] could be used to improve the solubility of 6-BA.     

瓜环与喹啉衍生物包结配合行为研究

利用¹H NMR以及荧光技术研究了六、七、八元瓜环与2-苯基喹啉、N-正丙基溴化异喹啉、3-氨基喹啉及7,8-苯并喹啉的相互作用.两种方法的考察结果均表明,2-苯基喹啉能与这3种瓜环发生相互作用,其中六、七元瓜环与2-苯基喹啉形成1∶1的稳定包结配合物,包结常数分别为1.6×10⁴和3.2×10³L/mol.八元瓜环能与2-苯基喹啉形成1∶2包结物.¹H NMR结果还表明,3种瓜环均能与N-正丙基溴化异喹啉相互作用,其化学计量比均为1∶2;七元瓜环与7,8-苯并喹啉相互作用,化学计量比约为1∶1.荧光法也表明八元瓜环能与N-正丙基溴化异喹啉、3-氨基喹啉及7,8-苯并喹啉发生相互作用,并且荧光强度随瓜环浓度增加而下降,其化学计量比为1∶2.同时,讨论了上述主客体包结配合物的作用模式.     

七元瓜环作为5-氨基水杨酸结肠给药载体可行性考察

利用荧光光谱法考察了七元瓜环(Q[7])和5-氨基水杨酸(5-ASA)在不同pH条件下的相互作用. 在pH＝2.0, 4.0时, Q[7]与5-ASA可形成1∶1(物质的量比)的包合物; 而在pH＝5.0, 6.0, 7.4 时未观察到两者之间有明显的相互作用. 利用¹H NMR 技术研究了Q[7]-5-ASA固体包合物不同pH值的存在形式. 当体系的pH＜6.0, 5-ASA以包合物的形式存在. 而当pH＞6.0, 包合物的稳定性下降, 5-ASA被释放出来以游离的药物分子形式存在, 说明5-ASA与Q[7]之间的相互作用依赖于体系的pH值, Q[7]可作为5-ASA结肠给药的一种潜在载体; 热动力学的研究表明包合作用主要受到体系焓变的影响; 红外光谱, DSC和TG的分析进一步证实了Q[7]-5-ASA固体包合物的形成.     

荧光光谱法研究葫芦[7]脲与6-巯嘌呤和腺嘌呤的包结作用

采用荧光光谱法分别研究了葫芦[7]脲(CB[7])对6-巯嘌呤(6-MP)和腺嘌呤(ADP)的包结作用。实验考察了时间、pH值以及温度对荧光强度和包结作用的影响,利用Benesi-Hildebrand方程分别计算出6-MP和ADP与CB[7]的包结常数。结果表明:酸度对体系的包结有明显的影响。在pH值为8.0和2.0左右时,6-MP和ADP分别具有稳定和最佳激发和发射波长,随着CB[7]浓度的增大,体系的荧光强度都有明显增强,包结作用迅速(小于5 min)。实验得出CB[7]与6-MP和ADP的包结比均为1∶1,在298 K时的包结常数分别为3.6797×102L·mol-1和2.2033×102L·mol-1。通过热力学参数的变化,探讨了维系包结物稳定性的主要作用力。CB[7]是葫芦脲家族中水溶性最强的主体分子,作为一种安全低毒的药物载体极具潜力。     

Recognition of glycine by cucurbit[5]uril and cucurbit[6]uril: A comparative study of exo- and endo-binding

Recognition features of glycine (Gly) with cucurbit[5]uril (Q[5]) and cucurbit[6]uril (Q[6]) both in aqueous solution and solid state were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. ¹H NMR data indicate that the Gly is located outside of the portals of the Q[5], exhibiting exo binding with the Q[5]. In the case of the Q[6], the Gly shows endo binding or a dual binding mode (endo and exo binding) with the host, which depends on the amount of the host in the aqueous solution. X-ray crystallography clearly display that the Gly forms 2:1 exclusion complex with the Q[5], and 2:1 inclusion complex with the Q[6]. Interestingly, hydrogen bondings between the encapsulated Gly molecules in the Q[6] were observed.     

七、八元瓜环对萘二胺异构体相互作用的考察

利用紫外吸收光谱、荧光光谱以及¹H NMR方法考察了七、八元瓜环(Q[7], Q[8])与1,8-萘二胺(g1), 2,3-萘二胺(g2), 1,5-萘二胺(g3)的相互作用. 实验结果表明: Q[7]与客体g1发生端口作用, 作用比为1∶1; Q[7]与客体g2, g3相互作用也形成1∶1的包结配合物. Q[8]与三种客体相互作用情况各不相同, 除Q[8]与客体g2相互作用形成1∶2的包结配合物; Q[8]与客体g1或g3可发生相互作用, 形成溶解性较差的作用产物, 其表观相互作用的比例为1∶1. 考察溶液酸度对主客体相互作用的影响还表明: 当pH大于某一值之后, 如Q[7]主客体体系, pH大于6.0; Q[8]主客体体系, pH大于12.0, 用光谱方法观察不到瓜环与客体的相互作用. Q[7], Q[8]为主体的上述主客体作用产物分别与金刚烷胺盐酸盐、1,10-癸二胺盐酸盐的竞争反应结果表明, 已作用的萘二胺异构体容易被所选用的竞争客体所取代, 只有g2与Q[8]形成的包结配合物被1,10-癸二胺盐酸盐部分取代.     

Host–guest complexes of some cucurbit[n]urils with the hydrochloride salts of some imidazole derivatives

Interaction between the normal cucurbit[n]urils (n = 6,7,8; Q[6], Q[7], Q[8]) and a sym-tetramethyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril derivative (TMeQ[6]) with the hydrochloride salts of some imidazole derivatives N-(4-hydroxylphenyl)imidazole (g1), N-(4-aminophenyl)imidazole (g2), 2-phenylimidazole (g3) in aqueous solution was investigated by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as by using a single crystal X-ray diffraction determination. The ¹H NMR spectra analysis established a basic interaction model in which inclusion complexes with a host:guest ratio of 1:1 forms for the Q[6]s and Q[7] cases, while with a host:guest ratio of 1:2 form for the Q[8] cases. It was common that the hosts selectively bound the phenyl moiety of the guests. Absorption spectrophotometric and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis in aqueous solution defined the stability of the host–guest inclusion complexes at pH 5.8 with a host:guest ratio of 1:1 form quantitatively as logK values between 4 and 5 for the smaller hosts Q[6 or 7]s, while with a host:guest ratio of 1:2 form quantitatively as logK values between 11 and 12 for the host Q[8]. Two single crystal X-ray structures of the inclusion complexes TMeQ[6]-g2 · HCl and TMeQ[6]-g3 · HCl showed the phenyl moiety of these two guests inserted into the host cavity, which supported particularly the ¹H NMR spectroscopic study in solution.     

Host–guest complexes of various cucurbit[n]urils with the hydrochloride salt of 2,4-diaminoazobenzene

The interaction products of normal cucurbit[n]urils (n = 7, 8; Q[7] Q[8]) and a sym- tetramethyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril derivative (TMeQ[6]) with the hydrochloride salts of 2,4-diaminoazobenzene (g·HCl) were investigated in aqueous solution using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. The ¹H NMR spectra analysis established a basic interaction model in which inclusion complexes with a host:guest ratio of 1:1 form for the TMeQ[6] and Q[7] cases, while they form with a host:guest ratio of 1:2 for the Q[8] case. Commonly, the hosts selectively bound to the phenyl moieties of the guests. Absorption spectrophotometric analysis in aqueous solution defined the stability of the host–guest inclusion complexes at pH 3.2. Quantitatively, at this pH, complexes with a host:guest ratio of 1:1—those with smaller hosts TMeQ[6] and Q[7]—formed with logK values between 6 and 7. That with host Q[8] and a host:guest ratio of 1:2 formed with a logK value of 10.8. Single crystal X-ray structures of the inclusion complexes TMeQ[6]–g·HCl and Q[8]–g·HCl showed the phenyl moiety of the guest inserted into the host cavity. This result supports the solution-based ¹H NMR spectroscopic study.     

Preparation and characterization of inclusion complexes of antitumor camptothecin with cucurbit[n = 7, 8]urils

The slightly water-soluble anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT) and its inclusion complexes with cucurbit[n = 7, 8]uril (Q[n] (n = 7, 8)) were investigated. The formation of 1:2 complexes with Q[n] (n = 7, 8) in aqueous solution was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and the apparent stability constants were determined to be higher than 3.01 × 10¹² L²/mol². The solid inclusion complexes of CPT and Q[n] (n = 7, 8) were also prepared by the co-evaporation method and characterized by Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. Aqueous solubility and dissolution studies indicate that the complexes exhibited significantly increased dissolution rates compared with the pure drug and physical mixtures. The potential of Q[7] or Q[8] for stabilizing lactone modality of CPT was investigated by the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results reveal more than 63% CPT lactone form (active form) in CPT-Q[7] or Q[8] complexes compared to only 36% CPT lactone form in the absence of Q[7] or Q[8] after being incubated in the phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4 at 37°C) for 5 h.     

七、八元瓜环对盐酸雷尼替丁的包合作用及缓释性能

研究了七元瓜环(Q[7])和八元瓜环(Q[8])与盐酸雷尼替丁(RH)的包合作用及包合物的体外药物缓释性能.采用紫外-可见光谱法测定了体系的包合比、包合稳定常数和药物累积释放度;用1H NMR技术考察了体系主-客体的包合作用.结果表明,Q[7]和Q[8]与RH在酸性及中性条件下均能发生1∶1包合作用,包合稳定常数分别为1.21×104和2.06×104 L/mol;在碱性条件下则不发生包合作用.原药RH,Q[7]-RH及Q[8]-RH包合物在人工胃液(pH=1.2)中的60 min累积释放度分别为89.1%,56.6%和38.4%;而在人工肠液(pH=6.8)中三者的60 min累积释放度分别为90.2%,58.7%和38.0%.实验结果表明,Q[7]及Q[8]包合对RH有明显的体外缓释作用.     

A three dimensional framework induced by �������� stacking of 2,2��-(Alkylene-1,6-diyl)diisoquinolinium from Q[6]-based Pseudorotaxane

A bromide salt of 2,2??-(hexane-1,6-diyl) diisoquinolinium (K6) was designed, synthesized and introduced to construct a novel framework induced by ??···?? stacking of 2,2??-(alkylene-1,??-diyl)diisoquinolinium from Q[6]-based pseudo-rotaxanes. The crystal structure of the compound revealed that the assembled framework based on the Q[6]-2,2??-(alkylene-1,6-diyl)diisoquinolinium pseudo-rotaxanes have stoichiometries of {(K6)@(Q[6])}²⁺·2Br^?·7(H₂O). The compound 1 has a novel three-dimensional framework constructed of two different channels?Done containing stacked isoquinolyl moieties from the K6@Q[6] pseudorotaxanes and the other containing the bromide anions. ¹H NMR spectra analysis was performed and confirmed the pseudorotaxane interaction model in which the 2,2??-(alkylene-1,6-diyl)diisoquinolinium guest threads into the cavity of Q[6] with the alkyl chain included inside the cavity and the two end isoquinolyl moieties protruding from the two opening portals. Absorption spectrophotometric and fluorescence spectroscopic analyses of the host?Cguest inclusion complex in aqueous solution found that the complexes were most stable at a host:guest mole ratio of 1:1. At this ratio, the complex has binding constants (K) ~10⁶.     

Inclusion Interactions of Cucurbit[7]uril with Adenine and its Derivatives

Interactions of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7] host) with guest adenine (g1), adenosine (g2) and 2′,3′-o-isopropylideneadenosine (g3) were studied in details by ¹H NMR, UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. We found that the suitable pH range for interaction was between 1 and 7, and the optimal pH range was between 2 and 4. The ¹H NMR analysis indicated that Q[7] selectively interacted with the adenine moiety of the guests g1 and g2, while Q[7] selectively interacted with the D-ribose sugar ring moiety of the guest g3. Moreover, ¹H NMR spectra showed that the exchange between the bound guest and the free guest was fast on the NMR time scale for the Q[7]-g1 and Q[7]-g2 systems. However, an obvious equilibrium between the bound host/guest and the unbound host/guest were observed in the Q[7]-g3 complex. Several methods were used to determine quantitatively the stability of the three host–guest inclusion complexes formed between Q[7] and the guests. The formation constants by UV and fluorescence were 1.90 × 10⁵ L mol^? 1 and 1.34 × 10⁵ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g1, 9.41 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 and 4.24 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g2, 4.50 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 and 3.62 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g3, respectively. HPLC method was also introduced to explore the interactions between Q[7] and the adenine and its derivatives. The formation constants of the host–guest inclusion complexes, as determined by HPLC, were 6.76 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g1, 1.80 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g2, 3.01 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g3 respectively. Our study suggested that Q[7] could be a suitable host for the delivery of bioactive molecules, such as the adenine and its derivatives.     

七元瓜环对阿糖胞苷稳定性的影响

研究了七元瓜环(Q[7])与抗癌药物阿糖胞苷(Ara-C)的不同质子化存在形式之间的超分子相互作用, 探讨了超分子包合作用对药物电离平衡常数及药物稳定性的影响. 结果表明, Q[7]使得Ara-C的pK_a降低了约0.3个单位, Q[7]与Ara-C的2种存在形式(Ara-C⁺及Ara-C)均可形成1∶1的主客体包结配合物, Ara-C以其嘧啶环进入Q[7]空腔, 而核糖环位于瓜环端口发生相互作用; Q[7]与Ara-C作用后对药物起到保护性载体的作用, 从而提高了药物的稳定性.     

Complexation of ferrocene derivatives by the cucurbit[7]uril host: a comparative study of the cucurbituril and cyclodextrin host families

The formation of inclusion complexes between cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and ferrocene and its derivatives has been investigated. The X-ray crystal structure of the 1:1 inclusion complex between ferrocene and CB[7] revealed that the guest molecule resides in the host cavity with two different orientations. Inclusion of a set of five water-soluble ferrocene derivatives in CB[7] was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and calorimetric and voltammetric techniques. Our data indicate that all neutral and cationic guests form highly stable inclusion complexes with CB[7], with binding constants in the 10(9)-10(10) M(-)(1) and 10(12)-10(13) M(-1) ranges, respectively. However, the anionic ferrocenecarboxylate, the only negatively charged guest among those surveyed, was not bound by CB[7] at all. These results are in sharp contrast to the known binding behavior of the same guests to beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), since all the guests form stable inclusion complexes with beta-CD, with binding constants in the range 10(3)-10(4) M(-1). The electrostatic surface potentials of CB[6], CB[7], and CB[8] and their size-equivalent CDs were calculated and compared. The CD portals and cavities exhibit low surface potential values, whereas the regions around the carbonyl oxygens in CBs are significantly negative, which explains the strong affinity of CBs for positively charged guests and also provides a rationalization for the rejection of anionic guests. Taken together, our data suggest that cucurbiturils may form very stable complexes. However, the host-guest interactions are very sensitive to some structural features, such as a negatively charged carboxylate group attached to the ferrocene residue, which may completely disrupt the stability of the complexes.     

六元瓜环、对称四甲基六元瓜环与2,2'-(1,8-辛烷)-二异喹啉二溴化物的自组装模式

利用核磁共振波谱、 紫外吸收光谱、 荧光光谱和单晶X射线衍射分析等考察了六元瓜环(Q[6])及对称四甲基六元瓜环(TMeQ[6])与2,2'-(1,8-辛烷)-二异喹啉二溴化物的相互作用. 实验结果表明, 客体分子分别与这2种瓜环自组装形成相似的1∶1包结配合物, 但晶体结构分析结果表明两个体系在主客体分子间作用力诱导下形成了不同的空间堆积模式, 其包结常数分别为K_K8-Q[6]=4.18×10⁷ L/mol, K_K8-TMeQ[6]=6.11×10⁷ L/mol.