Searching the "biologically relevant"conformation of dopamine: a computational approach

We report here an exhaustive and complete conformational study on the conformational potential energy hypersurface (PEHS) of dopamine (DA) interacting with the dopamine D2 receptor (D2-DR). A reduced 3D model for the binding pocket of the human D2-DR was constructed on the basis of the theoretical model structure of bacteriorhodopsin. In our reduced model system, only 13 amino acids were included to perform the quantum mechanics calculations. To obtain the different complexes of DA/D2-DR, we combined semiempirical (PM6), DFT (B3LYP/6-31G(d)), and QTAIM calculations. The molecular flexibility of DA interacting with the D2-DR was evaluated from potential energy surfaces and potential energy curves. A comparative study between the molecular flexibility of DA in the gas phase and at D2-DR was carried out. In addition, several molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to evaluate the molecular flexibility of the different complexes obtained. Our results allow us to postulate the complexes of type A as the "biologically relevant conformations" of DA. In addition, the theoretical calculations reported here suggested that a mechanistic stepwise process takes place for DA in which the protonated nitrogen group (in any conformation) acts as the anchoring portion, and this process is followed by a rapid rearrangement of the conformation allowing the interaction of the catecholic OH groups.     

A pharmacophore model for dopamine D4 receptor antagonists

A pharmacophore model for dopamine D₄ antagonists has been developed on the basis of a previously reported dopamine D₂ model. By using exhaustive conformational analyses (MM3^* force field and the GB/SA hydration model) and least-squares molecular superimposition studies, a set of eighteen structurally diverse high affinity D₄ antagonists have successfully been accommodated in the D₄ pharmacophore model. Enantioselectivities may be rationalized by conformational energies required for the enantiomers to adopt their proposed bioactive conformations. The pharmacophore models for antagonists at the D₄ and D₂ receptor subtypes have been compared in order to get insight into molecular properties of importance for D₂/D₄ receptor selectivity. It is concluded that the bioactive conformations of antagonists at the two receptor subtypes are essentially identical. Receptor essential volumes previously identified for the D₂ receptor are shown to be present also in the D₄ receptor. In addition, a novel receptor essential volume in the D₄ receptor, not present in the D₂ receptor, has been identified. This feature may be exploited for the design of D₄ selective antagonists. However, it is concluded that the major determinant for D₂/D₄ selectivity is the nature of the interactions between the receptor and aromatic ring systems. The effects of the electronic properties of these ring systems on the affinities for the two receptor subtypes differ substantially.     

A simple and sensitive fluorometric dopamine assay based on silica-coated CdTe quantum dots

A fluorescence assay is described for the fluorometric determination of dopamine (DA). It based on the use of silica-coated CdTe quantum dots (QD@SiO₂). These were fabricated through a hydrothermal process. When DA is added to a solution of the QD@SiO₂ and then oxidized by oxygen under catalytic action of tyrosinase to form dopamine quinone, the fluorescence of QD@SiO₂ (acquired at excitation/emission wavelengths of 310/525 nm) decreases due to an electron transfer quenching processes. The assay has a linear calibration plot in the 0.05 to 30 μM DA concentration range and a 12.5 nM detection limit (at an S/N ratio of 3). The method was applied to the determination of DA in spiked human serum samples.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a fluorometric dopamine (DA) assay by using silica-coated CdTe QDs (QD@SiO₂). DA is oxidized by oxygen under catalytic action of tyrosinase to form dopamine quinone, and this causes the quenching of fluorescence of QD@SiO₂ at excitation/emission wavelengths of 310/525 nm.

     

Gold nanoparticles on a thiol-functionalized silica network for ascorbic acid electrochemical detection in presence of dopamine and uric acid

A simple preparation methodology able to stabilize gold nanoparticles and to obtain an electrode which detects ascorbic acid, uric acid, and dopamine by different techniques is presented. A 3-mercaptopropyl-functionalized silica network was synthesized using the sol–gel method. Gold nanoparticles (nAu) were immobilized on the material at synthesis by adding a sol of these previously prepared particles to the reaction mixture. The electrochemical behavior of the SiO₂/MPTS/Au carbon paste electrode was studied using cyclic voltammetry in the presence of a hexacyanoferrate probe molecule. The presence of nAu in the functionalized silica network changes the electrochemical characteristics of the material, favoring the electron transfer process of this complex ion. The SiO₂/MPTS/Au electrode was proven to be an efficient tool in the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (H₂AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA) using square wave voltammetry techniques. With the nAu on the electrode, an increase in the peak current related to the redox process of the H₂AA, DA, and UA was observed. The separations of the anodic peak potentials between DA/H₂AA and UA/H₂AA were 310 and 442?mV, respectively. The results obtained show that the SiO₂/MPTS/Au electrode can be used in the simultaneous determination of H₂AA, DA, and UA.     

Electrocatalytic response of dopamine at a dl-homocysteine self-assembled gold electrode

The gold electrode self-assembled with the homocysteine monolayer (Hcy/Au) is demonstrated to catalyze the electrochemical response of dopamine (DA) by cyclic voltammetry. A pair of well-defined redox waves was obtained and the calculated standard rate constant (k_s) is 2.1×10⁻² cm/s at the self-assembled electrode. The reduction peak of DA can be used to determine the concentration of DA in presence of ascorbic acid (AA) owing to the Hcy/Au also catalyzing the electrochemical oxidation of AA.     

Platinum nanoparticles supported MoS2 nanosheet for simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid

Herein, platinum nanoparticles-decorated molybdenum disulfide(Pt NPs@MoS_2) nanocomposite has been synthesized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, which was characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction(XRD). This MoS_2-based nanocomposite modified glass carbon electrode(Pt NPs@MoS_2/GCE) exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward dopamine(DA) and uric acid(UA) due to their synergistic effect. Two well-defined oxidation peaks of DA and UA were obtained at Pt NPs@MoS_2/GCE with a large peak separation of 160 m V(DA-UA), suggesting that the modified electrode could individually or simultaneously analyze DA and AA. Under the optimal conditions, the peak currents of DA and UA were linearly dependent on their concentrations in the range of 0.5–150 and 5–1000 mmol/L with detection limit of 0.17 and 0.98 mmol/L, respectively. The proposed MoS_2-based sensor can also be employed to examine DA and UA in real samples with satisfactory results. Therefore, the Pt NPs@MoS_2 nanocomposite might offer a good possibility for electrochemical sensing and other electrocatalytic applications.     

The effect of the surface coverage of the phosphonic acid terminated self-assembled monolayers on the electrochemical behavior of dopamine

The surface coverage of 3-mercaptopropylphosphonic acid (HS-CH₂CH₂CH₂-PO₃H₂, MPPA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surface can be controlled by the dissociation degree of phosphonic acid groups (-PO₃H₂) in the bulk solution and adsorption time of MPPA molecules under the basic condition. Electrochemical measurements show that the low-density MPPA-SAMs modified gold electrode enhances significantly the kinetics of electron transfer of dopamine (DA), and improves the antifouling capability of modified electrode towards DA oxidation. The present results offer crucial information for design and optimization of the electrochemical sensors for DA determination.     

A non‐covalent functionalization of copper tetraphenylporphyrin/chemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for the selective determination of dopamine

A non‐covalent functionalization based on a copper tetraphenylporphyrin/chemically reduced graphene oxide (Cu‐TPP/CRGO) nanocomposite is demonstrated for selective determination of dopamine (DA) in pharmaceutical and biological samples. A homogeneous electron‐rich environment can be created on the graphene surface by Cu‐TPP due to the π–π non‐covalent stacking interaction. The synthesized Cu‐TPP/CRGO nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy NMR, ultraviolet–visible and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies. The electrocatalytic activity of DA was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The oxidation peak current (I_pa) of DA increased linearly with increasing concentration of DA in the range 2–200 μM. The detection limit was calculated as 0.76 μM with a high sensitivity of 2.46 μA μM^?1 cm ^{? 2}. The practicality of the proposed DA sensor was evaluated in DA hydrochloride injection, human urine and saliva, and showed satisfactory recovery results for the detection of DA. In addition, the Cu‐TPP/CRGO nanocomposite‐modified electrode showed excellent stability, repeatability and reproducibility towards the detection of DA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fluorometric determination of dopamine by using molybdenum disulfide quantum dots

A method is described for the rapid fluorometric determination of dopamine (DA) by using molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS₂ QDs) that were fabricated via an ammonium hydroxide etching method. The probe has a fluorescence (with excitation/emission peaks at 267/380 nm) that is quenched by DA with high selectivity over various interferences. This is attributed to a reaction that occurs between DA and the molybdate ions in pH 9 solutions of MoS₂ QDs. The formation of organic molybdate complexes and of dopamine-quinone results in strong quenching of the fluorescence of the QDs which is due to both electron transfer and an inner filter effect. Under the optimum conditions, the assay works in the 0.1–100 μM DA concentration range, with two linear ranges and a 10 nM detection limit. The method was applied to the determination of DA in spiked artificial urine samples, where it gave recoveries ranging from 97.6 to 102.2%, demonstrating that the method a promising tool for rapid and selective detection of DA.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract MoS₂ QDs are facilely synthesized via the etching effect of ammonium hydroxide for highly selective fluorometric detection of dopamine.

     

Electrochemical determination of dopamine using octahedral SnO2 nanocrystals bound to reduced graphene oxide nanosheets

Novel nanocomposites were prepared from graphene oxide (GO) and octahedral tin dioxide (SnO₂) through a facile process that included synthesis of octahedral SnO₂ and the reduction of GO with ascorbic acid. The morphology and structure of the nanocomposites were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The nanocomposites were placed on a glassy carbon electrode where they displayed excellent performance in terms of differential pulse voltammetric determination of dopamine (DA). This is attributed to (a) the synergetic interactions between reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) and octahedral SnO₂, and (b) the presence of a large number of active sites on the nanocomposites surface. The sensor responds to DA in the concentration range of 0.08 to 30 μM, with a 6 nM detection limit if operated at 0.24 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The modified electrode also widely suppresses the background current resulting from excess ascorbic acid and uric acids. The method was applied to the determination of DA in spiked human urine and gave satisfactory results, with recoveries in the range from 96.4 to 98.2 %.

Green and facile synthesis of reduced graphene oxide-octahedral SnO₂ (r-GO-SnO₂) nanocomposites for the sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of dopamine.

     

Development of 7TM receptor-ligand complex models using ligand-biased, semi-empirical helix-bundle repacking in torsion space: application to the agonist interaction of the human dopamine D2 receptor

Prediction of 3D structures of membrane proteins, and of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in particular, is motivated by their importance in biological systems and the difficulties associated with experimental structure determination. In the present study, a novel method for the prediction of 3D structures of the membrane-embedded region of helical membrane proteins is presented. A large pool of candidate models are produced by repacking of the helices of a homology model using Monte Carlo sampling in torsion space, followed by ranking based on their geometric and ligand-binding properties. The trajectory is directed by weak initial restraints to orient helices towards the original model to improve computation efficiency, and by a ligand to guide the receptor towards a chosen conformational state. The method was validated by construction of the β₁ adrenergic receptor model in complex with (S)-cyanopindolol using bovine rhodopsin as template. In addition, models of the dopamine D₂ receptor were produced with the selective and rigid agonist (R)-N-propylapomorphine ((R)-NPA) present. A second quality assessment was implemented by evaluating the results from docking of a library of 29 ligands with known activity, which further discriminated between receptor models. Agonist binding and recognition by the dopamine D₂ receptor is interpreted using the 3D structure model resulting from the approach. This method has a potential for modeling of all types of helical transmembrane proteins for which a structural template with sequence homology sufficient for homology modeling is not available or is in an incorrect conformational state, but for which sufficient empirical information is accessible.     

Fabrication of modified TiO2 nanoparticle carbon paste electrode for simultaneous determination of dopamine, uric acid, and l-cysteine

A carbon paste electrode, modified with 2, 2′-[1,7-hepthandiylbis(nitriloethylidyne)]-bis-hydroquinone and TiO₂ nanoparticles, was used for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and l-cysteine. The study was carried out by using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques. Some kinetic parameters such as the electron transfer coefficient (α) and heterogeneous rate constant (k_s) were also determined for the DA oxidation. A dynamic range of 8.0–1400 μM, with the detection limit of 8.4 × 10⁻⁷ M for DA, was obtained using SWV (pH = 7.0). The prepared electrode was successfully applied for the determination of DA, UA, and l-cysteine in real samples.     

Photoelectrochemical CdSe/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube array microsensor for high-resolution in-situ detection of dopamine

A photoelectrochemical wire microelectrode was constructed based on the use of a TiO₂ nanotube array with electrochemically deposited CdSe semiconductor. A strongly amplified photocurrent is generated on the sensor surface. The microsensor has a response in the 0.05–20 μM dopamine (DA) concentration range and a 16.7 μM detection limit at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Sensitivity, recovery and reproducibility of the sensor were validated by detecting DA in spiked human urine, and satisfactory results were obtained.

Open image in new window

Graphical abstract Schematic of a sensitive photoelectrochemical microsensor based on CdSe modified TiO₂ nanotube array. The photoelectrochemical microsensor was successfully applied to the determination of dopamine in urine samples.

     

Carbon nanotube-ionic liquid nanocomposite modified carbon-ceramic electrode for determination of dopamine in real samples

Room temperature 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraflouroborate ([BMIM][BF₄]) ionic liquid was employed for dispersion of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the formation of nanocomposite on the surface of a carbon-ceramic electrode. The surface of the modified electrode was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The modified electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical activity to oxidation of dopamine (DA); whereas electro oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA) was not seen and electro oxidation of uric acid (UA) appeared at a more positive potential than DA. The multi walled carbon nanotube-ionic liquid nanocomposite modified carbon-ceramic electrode was used for the selective determination of DA in the presence of high levels of AA and UA using differential pulse voltammetry. The calibration curve for DA was linear in the range of 3.00 to 130 µM with the detection limit (S/N=3) of 0.87 µM. The present electrode was successfully applied to the determination of DA in some commercial pharmaceutical samples and human blood serum.      

Indole-substituted 2,4-diamino-5,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines from one-pot process and evaluation of their ability to bind dopamine receptors

A series of novel 7-indole substituted 2,4-diamino-5,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine analogous to the 2,4-diaminopteridine core were synthesized by the three-component one-pot cyclocondensation between 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, 3-(2-cyanoacetyl)indole and aromatic aldehydes. The reactions, which exhibited good performance, proceeded in EtOH using indium (III) chloride as catalyst under microwave irradiation, in short reaction times. On the basis of certain structural similarity of these compounds with known ligands of the D2 dopamine receptors (D2DR), the study of these compounds as possible ligands of dopamine D2 and D1 receptors was carried out. Three of them showed moderate affinity to D2-DR since the Ki D1/D2 ratio reached values of 40, 65 and 31 for compounds 4c, 4k and 4j, respectively. Finally, molecular modeling studies revealed stronger molecular interactions of such derivatives with the D2DR than with D1DR, what agrees with the experimental data, and gives an additional support to the observed selectivity to the D2DR.     

Simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid,dopamine and serotonin at poly(phenosafranine) modified electrode

The oxidation of phenosafranine at glassy carbon electrode gives rise to stable redox active electropolymerized film containing a polyazine moiety (poly(phenosafranine)). The redox response of the poly(phenosafranine) film was observed at the modified electrode at different pH and the pH dependence of the peak potential is 60 mV/pH, which is very close to the expected Nernstian behavior. The apparent diffusion coefficient (D_app) of poly(phenosafranine) film was measured as 2.51 × 10⁻⁹ cm²/s. This film exhibits potent and persistent electron-mediating behavior followed by well-separated oxidation peaks towards ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin with activation overpotential, which is 200 mV lower than that of the bare electrode for AA oxidation. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) studies, the limit of detection of DA in the presence of AA is estimated to be in the submicromolar regime. This method has been used for determining DA and AA concentrations in real samples with satisfactory results.     

The electrochemical behavior of dopamine at glassy carbon electrode modified by Nafion multiwalled carbon nanotubes

DFT (B3LY/6-31G (d, p) and B3LYP/cc-PVDZ) calculations are performed for deoxidized dopamine (DA_(R)) and its oxidized form (DA_(O)). The electrochemistry of dopamine (DA) was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) at a glassy carbon electrode modified by Nafion multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in phosphate buffers at pH 5.4, showing that the standard electrode potential of a half reaction for DA_(O), H⁺/DA_(R) is 0.74 V. This experimental standard electrode potential of the half reaction is consistent with those of 0.65 and 0.69 V calculated using the energies of solvation and the sum of the electronic and thermal free energies of DA_(R) and DA_(O). The frontier orbital theory and Mulliken charges of molecules explain the electrochemical behavior of CV at a modified electrode well. The effects of oxygen on DA_(R) in blood and drug are also discussed according to equilibrium theory. The modified electrode was successful for determination of the content of pharmaceutical DA. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Poly(methylene blue) functionalized graphene modified carbon ionic liquid electrode for the electrochemical detection of dopamine

An ionic liquid 1-butylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate based carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was used as the substrate electrode and a poly(methylene blue) (PMB) functionalized graphene (GR) composite film was co-electrodeposited on CILE surface by cyclic voltammetry. The PMB–GR/CILE exhibited better electrochemical performances with higher conductivity and lower electron transfer resistance. Electrochemical behavior of dopamine (DA) was further investigated by cyclic voltammetry and a pair of well-defined redox peaks appeared with the peak-to-peak separation (ΔE_p) as 0.058 V in 0.1 mol L⁻¹ pH 6.0 phosphate buffer solution, which proved a fast quasi-reversible electron transfer process on the modified electrode. Electrochemical parameters of DA on PMB–GR/CILE were calculated with the electron transfer number as 1.83, the charge transfer coefficients as 0.70, the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant as 1.72 s⁻¹ and the diffusional coefficient (D) as 3.45 × 10⁻⁴ cm² s⁻¹, respectively. Under the optimal conditions with differential pulse voltammetric measurement, the linear relationship between the oxidation peak current of DA and its concentration was obtained in the range from 0.02 to 800.0 μmol L⁻¹ with the detection limit as 5.6 nmol L⁻¹ (3σ). The coexisting substances exhibited no interference and PMB–GR/CILE was applied to the detection of DA injection samples and human urine samples with satisfactory results.     

Exploiting micellar environment for simultaneous electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid and dopamine

A simple and reliable method for simultaneous electrochemical determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA) is presented in this work. It was based on the use of the cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) that enables the separation of the oxidation peaks potential of AA and DA. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as pulse differential voltammetry (PDV) were used in order to verify the voltammetric behaviour in micellar media. In the cationic surfactant CPC, a remarkable electrostatic interaction is established with negatively charged AA, as a consequence, the oxidation peak potential shifted toward less positive potential and the peak current increased. On the other hand, the positively charged DA is repelled from the electrode surface and the oxidation peak potential shifts toward more positive potential in comparison to the bare electrode. Therefore, the common overlapped oxidation peaks of AA and DA can be circumventing by using CPC. Parameter that affects the E_pa and I_pa such as CPC concentration and pH were studied. Under optimised conditions, the method presented a linear response to AA and DA in the concentration range from 5 to 75 μmol L⁻¹ and 10 to 100 μmol L⁻¹, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of AA and DA in dopamine hydrochloride injection (DHI) samples spiked with AA.     

Synthesis and characterisation of a novel bi-nuclear copper2+ complex and its application as electrode-modifying agent for simultaneous voltammetric determination of dopamine and ascorbic acid

A new binuclear complex of copper²⁺, [LCu²⁺(CH₃COO)₂Cu²⁺L](CH₃COO)₂ where L is N,N-bis(phthalimide)ethylenediamine, was synthesised and characterised. The complex ion [LCu²⁺ (CH₃COO)₂Cu²⁺L]²⁺ was encapsulated into ZSM-5 zeolite and used to modify the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. This modified electrode, in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0, exhibited an oxidation potential for dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) at electrode potentials of 0.230 V and ?0.090 V vs. Ag/AgCl respectively, a separation of 0.320 V. The electro-oxidation of DA or AA on the modified electrode is independent of each other. No interference was observed from Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, SO ₄ ^2? , Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, and glucose. The detection limits obtained were 2.91 × 10^?7 M for DA and 3.5 × 10^?7 M for AA.