Direct synthesis of novel amphiphilic cyclodextrin

A novel amphiphilic cyclodextrin derivative was obtained by controlled esterification of lauric acid chloride on the primary face of the native β-cyclodextrin in a one step synthesis. The characterization of the substitution degree and isomer structure was performed by mass and NMR spectroscopies. A specific purification procedure by sublimation was developed in order to eliminate the excess of lauric acid molecules in the reaction product. The sublimation efficiency was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in quantifying the remaining fatty acid. In this way the duration of the sublimation process could be optimized.     

Characterisation of complex amphiphilic cyclodextrin mixtures by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry

It is established that amphiphilic beta-cyclodextrins chemically modified with alkyl chains on the secondary face exhibit self-organisation properties yielding stable nanospheres or nanoparticles. The ability of these promising colloidal drug carriers to encapsulate drugs being partly related to the internal structure of nanosystems, precise characterisation methods are required to control their synthesis procedure. The present work describes the development of complementary analytical methods based on reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPLC) coupled to evaporative light-scattering detection (ELSD) and electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to characterize various beta-cyclodextrins enzymatically transesterified by vinyl-acyl fatty esters (the number of carbon atom in the acyl chain varying from 4 to 12). LC-ELSD has been used in a preliminary step to optimize the separation on a monolithic octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica stationary phase. A complex fingerprint was achieved for each mixture, revealing the presence of isomers unnoticed by the sole spectrometric (NMR and MS) techniques.     

Sugar nanowires based on cyclodextrin prepared by single particle nanofabrication technique

The direct formation of nanowires consisting of cyclodextrins by single particle nanofabrication technique (SPNT) is investigated in the present paper. Substittuted cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives and their composite with poly(4-bromostyrene) caused efficient cross-linking reaction upon irradiation, and gave nanostructures by SPNT. Successful visualization of the nanostructures by atomic force microscopy suggested drastic increase in the surface area of the materials based on CDs, leading to considerable increase in the selective adsorption efficiency of the molecules fit to the size of the hydrophobic holes of CDs.     

Aggregates and hydrogels prepared by self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers with surfactants

Mesoporous carbons containing cobalt nanoparticles are synthesized by tri-or quad-constituent self assembly of Pluronic F127, phenol-formaldehyde oligomer (resol), cobalt acetylacetonate (acac), and optionally tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS, optional). Upon pyrolysis in N₂ atmosphere, the resol provides sufficient carbon yield to maintain the ordered structure, while decomposition of the Co(acac) yields cobalt nanoparticles. To provide increased surface area, the dispersed silicate from condensation of TEOS can be etched after carbonization to yield micropores, Without silica templated micropores, the surface area decreases as the cobalt content increases, but there is a concurrent increase in the volume-average pore diameter (BHJ) and a dramatic increase in the adsorption capacity of methylene green with the equilibrium adsorption capacity from 2 to 90 mg/g with increasing Co content. Moreover, the surface area and pore size of mesoporous composites can be dramatically increased by addition of TEOS and subsequent etching. These composites exhibit extremely high adsorption capacity up to 1151 mg/g, which also increases with increases in the Co content. Additionally, the inclusion of cobalt nanoparticles provides magnetic separation from aqueous suspension. The in situ synthesis of the Co nanoparticles yields to a carbon shell that can partially protect the Co from leaching in acidic media; after 96 h in 2 M HCl, the powders remain magnetic.     

Nanometer-sized gelatin particles prepared by means of gamma-ray irradiation

Nanometer-sized gelatin particles have been prepared by means of gamma-ray irradiation and characterized by static and dynamic light scattering combined with circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The molecular weight of the nanoparticles was much larger than that of the original gelatin molecules, whereas the hydrodynamic radius was much smaller. Radius of gyration evaluated from the angular dependence of the static light scattering intensity decreased with increasing irradiation dose. CD spectra of the gelatin nanoparticles were independent of temperature, and it is suggested that the nanoparticles consist of highly and randomly packed gelatin and their conformation is stable against the temperature change.     

Aqueous phase behavior of polyelectrolytes with amphiphilic counterions modulated by cyclodextrin: the role of polyion flexibility

Polyelectrolytes with amphiphilic counterions, PEACs, are water insoluble because the amphiphiles self-assemble into highly charged micelles that strongly associate with the equally highly charged polyions. However, in the presence of water soluble cyclodextrins (CDs) that form inclusion complexes with the amphiphiles and prevent micellization, PEACs become soluble as the dispersed amphiphiles behave essentially as simple monovalent counterions. In this paper, we illustrate, by example, how strongly the ternary phase behavior of PEAC:CD:water depends on the polyion flexibility; for a highly flexible polyion (polyacrylate) the amphiphilic aggregates dictate the phase behavior, whereas a much stiffer polyion (DNA) itself dictates liquid crystalline ordering.     

Novel antibacterial fibers of amphiphilic N‐halamine polymer prepared by electrospinning

As a significant role in subcategory of halogen antibacterial field, amphiphilic N‐halamine polymers show a promise as potential antimicrobials having a broad spectrum of microorganisms, long‐term stability, and renewal of their antibacterial properties. By controlling the process parameters, electrospinning has been well recognized as a versatile and effective method being capable of making fibers and could be easily engineered with desired pore size and porosity to enhance the antimicrobial properties. The amphiphilic N‐halamine P (ADMH‐MMA‐HEMA) terpolymer fibers showed efficient antimicrobial properties against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria within brief contact time. The result meant that the polymer fibers of macromolecular architecture with control of structural parameters such as hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance achievement improved antimicrobial activities via electrospinning technique. In vitro cytotoxicity study demonstrated that the polymer was biocompatible. As a result, the integration of amphiphilic antibacterial materials and the electrospinning technique provided us a feasible method to fabricate biocompatible antimicrobial products easily with low manufacturing cost and would be applied in many promising application areas.     

Inclusion kinetics of a nucleotide into a cyclodextrin cavity by means of ultrasonic relaxation

To examine a dynamic interaction between nucleotide and cyclic oligosaccharide, ultrasonic absorption measurements were carried out in aqueous solution containing beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) in the frequency range of 0.8-95 MHz. A relaxational absorption was observed in the solution, although it was not found in the individual solution of beta-CD or AMP. From the concentration dependences of AMP on the relaxation time and the maximum absorption per wavelength, the cause of the relaxation was attributed to a perturbation of a chemical equilibrium associated with a complex formation between beta-CD (host) and AMP (guest). The rate constants for the formation and breakup processes of the complex were determined. Also, a standard volume change of the reaction was obtained. From comparisons of the obtained rate and thermodynamic parameters with those for beta-CD and various guests, it has been concluded that the adenine moiety is included in the beta-CD cavity and that the hydrogen bonds may play a role in the complex formation.     

Effective cell uptake of nanoassemblies of a fluorescent amphiphilic cyclodextrin and an anionic porphyrin

An emitting nanoassembly composed of a novel amphiphilic cyclodextrin functionalised with a covalently appended fluorophore and an anionic porphyrin internalizes effectively in tumor cells, allowing simultaneously the detection of carrier and photosensitiser.     

Self-assembled vesicles prepared from amphiphilic cyclodextrins as drug carriers

Controlled self-assembly of amphiphilic cyclodextrin is always a challenging topic in the field of supramolecular chemistry, since it provides the spontaneous generation of well-defined aggregation with functional host sites with great potential applications in drug-carrier systems. β-Cyclodextrin modified with an anthraquinone moiety (1) was successfully synthesized. In the aqueous solution, 1 was found able to self-assemble into vesicles, which was characterized in detail by TEM, SEM, EFM, and DLS. The formation mechanism of the vesicles was suggested based on the 2D ROESY and UV-vis results, and further verified by the MD simulation. Subsequently, the stimuli response property of the vesicles, including to Cu(2+) and H(+), was also studied. The vesicles can efficiently load Paclitaxel inside the membrane with functional macrocyclic cavities available, which can further carry small molecules, such as ferrocene. The vesicles loading with Paclitaxel have remarkable anticancer effects. This work will provide new strategy in drug-carrier systems and tumor treatment methods.     

Synthesis and characterization of an amphiphilic cyclodextrin, a micelle with two recognition sites

A cyclodextrin derivative (Mod-CD) was synthesized through the monoesterification of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) with 3-((E)-dec-2-enyl)-dihydrofuran-2,5-dione. The compound is an interesting surfactant that can form large aggregates not only through the interaction of the hydrophobic tails as in common amphiphilic compounds but also through the inclusion of the alkenyl chain into the cavity of another Mod-CD molecule. The self-inclusion of the chain in the cavity of cyclodextrin as well as the intermolecular inclusion was demonstrated by 1H NMR measurements that were able to detect methyl groups in three different environments. Besides, in the aggregates of Mod-CD, the cavity is available to interact with external guests such as phenolphthalein, 1-amino adamantane, and Prodan. Phenolphthalein has the same binding constant with Mod-CD and beta-CD, but the equilibrium constant for the interaction with Prodan is about 2 times larger for Mod-CD than for beta-CD. The latter result is attributed to the fact that this probe interacts with the micelle in two binding sites: the cavity of the cyclodextrin and the apolar heart of the micelle as evidenced by the spectrofluorimetric behavior of Prodan in solutions containing different concentrations of Mod-CD.     

Evidence for dimer formation by an amphiphilic heptapeptide that mediates chloride and carboxyfluorescein release from liposomes

Heptapeptides having dioctadecyl, N-terminal hydrocarbon chains insert in phospholipid bilayer membranes and form pores through which at least chloride ions pass. Although amphiphilic, these compounds do not typically form vesicles themselves. They insert in the bilayers of phospholipid vesicles and mediate the release of carboxyfluorescein. Hill analysis indicates that at least two molecules of the amphiphile are involved in pore formation. In CD2Cl2, dimer formation is detected by NMR chemical shift changes. The anion release activity of individual anion transporters is increased by linking them covalently at the C-terminus or, even more, by linking them at the N-terminus. Evidence is presented that either linked molecule releases chloride from liposomes more effectively and rapidly than the individual transporter molecule at a comparable concentration.     

Measurement of the essential oil in inclusion complexes with cyclodextrin by means of capillary gas chromatography

The oil content in inclusion complexes of cyclodextrin and essential oils can be determined efficiently by extraction at high temperature followed by capillary gas chromatography of the extracted oil. The total amount of complexed oil is calculated by comparison of the total peak area of the examined material with that of the relevant authentic sample. A computer program is outlined for the calculations.     

Epimerization and racemization of some chiral drugs in the presence of cyclodextrin and liposomes

The effects of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrins (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and DM-beta-CyDs) and liposomes on epimerization or racemization of etoposide, ethiazide and carbenicillin were examined kinetically. alpha- and beta-CyDs accelerated both epimerization and hydrolysis of carbenicillin. They had no effect on epimerization of etoposide, and did not affect racemization and hydrolysis of ethiazide. DM-beta-CyD retarded epimerization of etoposide, hydrolysis of picroetoposide (which is an epimer of etoposide), and racemization and hydrolysis of ethiazide, but had no effect on epimerization and hydrolysis of carbenicillin. gamma-CyD retarded epimerization of etoposide and hydrolysis of picroetoposide. On the other hand, gamma-CyD accelerated epimerization of carbenicillin. It is suggested that the formation of inclusion complexes between CyDs and etoposide, picroetoposide and ethiazide inhibited the attack of bases such as OH- and buffer components, thereby retarding epimerization, racemization and hydrolysis. On the other hand, alpha-, beta- and gamma-CyDs increased the reactivity of carbenicillin through the OH group, accelerating its epimerization and hydrolysis. Liposomes retarded epimerization of etoposide, hydrolysis of picroetoposide and racemization of ethiazide. Liposomes did not affect epimerization and hydrolysis of carbenicillin. These differences in the effect of liposomes on reactivity may be interpreted in terms of the solubility of the drugs.     

Sustained release applications of a fluoroalkyl ester-functionalized amphiphilic cyclodextrin by inclusion complex formation with water-soluble drugs in supercritical carbon dioxide

An amphiphilic γ-cyclodextrin, selectively functionalized with perfluorobutanoyl group, octakis(6-O-perfluorobutanoyl)-γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CyD-F), was investigated as a potential sustained release carrier for hydrophilic drugs, taking molsidomine (MOL) as a model drug. Supercritical carbon dioxide, an environmentally benign solvent, was used for the preparation of MOL/γ-CyD-F inclusion complexes. The molecular encapsulation of MOL by the amphiphilic cyclodextrin was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Additionally, ¹H NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the inclusion mode of drug with the γ-CyD-F. The in-vitro release of MOL from the peanut oil suspensions into aqueous phase was found to be significantly retarded by the complexation with γ-CyD-F, mainly due to the hydrophobic properties associated with the γ-CyD-F.     

Synthesis and properties of amphiphilic vinyl acetate triblock copolymers prepared by copper mediated living radical polymerisation

Polymerisation of vinyl acetate by conventional free radical polymerisation using a diazo initiator followed by copper mediated living radical polymerisation with a range of monomers was studied. This method led to the synthesis of triblock copolymers. We have thus successfully prepared several new ABA triblock copolymers where B is poly(vinyl acetate) and A is (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), (polyethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (MeO(PEG)MA) or solketal methacrylate (SMA). The sequential conventional/living radical polymerisation approach provided an efficient route to synthesis of new block copolymers. The properties of these amphiphilic polymers have been subsequently investigated by ¹H NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, tensiometry and dynamic light scattering to investigate their behaviour as potential surfactants.