Effect of Buffer Species on the Inclusion Complexation of Acidic Drug Celecoxib with Cyclodextrin in Solution

The interaction of celecoxib (Celox) with cyclodextrins (CDs) has been investigated by phase solubility techniques. In this study, the influences of CD type, pH, buffer type, buffer concentration and temperature on the tendency of Celox to form inclusion complexes with CDs were examined. The tendency of Celox to complex with CDs is in the order HP-β-CD > β-CD > γ-CD > α-CD, where the complex formation constants (K ₁₁) were 1377, 693, 126 and 60 M⁻¹, respectively. Also ionization of the slightly acidic Celox (pK _a=9.7) was found to reduce its tendency to complex (i.e., The K ₁₁ values of Celox/β-CD in 0.05 M phosphate buffer were 976 and 210 M⁻¹ for neutral and ionized Celox, respectively). Increasing citrate and phosphate buffer concentration enhances the tendency of ionized Celox to complex with β-CD as a result of a corresponding decrease in the inherent solubility (S ₀) of the Celox anion. On the other hand, these two buffers interact differently with neutral Celox and β-CD, where increasing phosphate buffer concentration at low pH enhances the complexation of neutral Celox by lowering S ₀, while increasing citrate buffer concentration at low pH reduces complex formation as citrate buffer species, mainly citric acid, act as a solublizer and a competitor for Celox and β-CD. The contribution of Celox hydrophobicity for complex stability constitutes about 77% of the driving force for complex stability. The complex formation of neutral Celox with β-CD (ΔG ⁰=−28.6 kJ/mol) is driven by both enthalpy (ΔH ⁰=−21.7 kJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS ⁰=23.3 J/mol K) changes.     

Effect of Solvents and pH on <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation of 2,4-Dihydroxyazobenzene and 4-Hydroxyazobenzene

The spectral characteristics of 2,4-dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB, sudan orange G) and 4-hydroxyazobenzene (HAB) have been studied in various solvents, different hydrogen ion and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) concentrations, and are compared with azobenzene (AB). The inclusion complexes of the above molecules with β-CD were analyzed by UV-vis spectrometry, flourometry, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, SEM and DFT methods. The solvent study shows that only the azo form is present in DHAB and HAB molecules. The unusually large red shift observed in acidic solutions indicates both molecules exhibit azo-hydrazo tautomerization. In the β-CD solutions, the increase in fluorescence intensity and large bathochromic shift in the S₁ state indicates that DHAB and HAB form 2:2 inclusion complexes, whereas AB forms a 1:1 inclusion complex.     

Cisapride/β-cyclodextrin complexation: stability constants, thermodynamics, and guest–host interactions probed by 1H-NMR and molecular modeling studies

Phase solubility techniques were used to obtain the complexation parameters of cisapride (Cisp) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in aqueous 0.05 M citrate buffer solutions. From the UV absorption spectra and the pH solubility profile, two basic pK _as were estimated: pK _a(1+) = 8.7 and pK _a(2+) < 2. The inherent solubility (S _o) of Cisp was found to increase as pH decreases, but is limited by the solubility product of the CispH⁺·citrate¹⁻ salt at low pH (pK _sp = 3.0). Cisp forms soluble 1:1 and 1:2 Cisp/β-CD complexes. A quantitative measure of the hydrophobic effect (desolvation) contribution to 1:1 complex formation was obtained from the linear variation of free energy of 1:1 Cisp/β-CD complex formation (ΔG ₁₁ = −RT ln K ₁₁ < 0) with that of the inherent solubility of Cisp . The results show that the hydrophobic character of Cisp contributes about 35% of the total driving force to 1:1 complex formation (slope = −0.35), while other factors, including specific interactions, contribute −10.6 kJ/mol (intercept). Protonated 1:1 Cisp/β-CD complex formation at pH 6.0 is driven by favorable enthalpy (ΔH° = −9 kJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS° = 51 J/mol K) changes. In contrast, inherent Cisp solubility is impeded by unfavorable enthalpy (ΔH° = 12 kJ/mol) and entropy (ΔS° = 90 J/mol K) changes. ¹H-NMR spectra in D₂O and molecular mechanical studies indicate the formation of inclusion complexes. The dominant driving force for neutral Cisp/β-CD complexation in vacuo was predominantly van der Waals with very little electrostatic contribution.     

Host–Guest Interactions of Risperidone with Natural and Modified Cyclodextrins: Phase Solubility, Thermodynamics and Molecular Modeling Studies

The solubility of risperidone (Risp) in aqueous buffered cyclodextrin (CD) solution was investigated for α-, β-, γ- and HP-β-CD. The effects of pH, ionic strength and temperature on complex stability were also explored. Neutral Risp tends to form higher order complexes (1:2) with both β- and HP-β-CD, but only 1:1 type complexes with α-, and γ-CD. The tendency of Risp to complex with cyclodextrins is in the order β-CD > HP-β-CD > γ-CD > α-CD. The 1:1 complex formation constant of Risp/HP-β-CD increases with increasing ionic strength in an opposite trend to the inherent solubility (S ₀) of Risp, thus indicating significant hydrophobic effect. The hydrophobic effect contributes to the extent of 72% towards neutral Risp/HP-β-CD complex stability, while specific interactions contribute only 4.7 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic studies showed that 1:1 Risp/HP-β-CD complex formation is driven by a favorable enthalpy change (ΔH ⁰=−31.2 kJ/mol, ΔS ⁰=−7 J/mol.K) while the 1:2 complex is largely driven by entropy changes (ΔH ⁰=−5.0 kJ/mol, ΔS ⁰=42 J/mol.K). Complex stability was found to vary with pH, with a higher formation constant for neutral Risp. Molecular mechanical computations using MM (atomic charges and bond dipole algorithms) and Amber force fields, which were carried out to explore possible sites of interactions between Risp and CDs and to rationalize complex stoichiometry, produced similar results concerning optimal inclusion complex geometries and stoichiometries.     

Study on Inclusion Complex Formation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-Aminobenzoic Acid with Native and Substituted <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrins

The complex formation of native and substituted β-cyclodextrins with m-aminobenzoic acid in water was characterized by calorimetry, ¹H NMR and UV spectroscopic studies. These studies showed that β-, hydroxypropyl-β- and methyl-β-cyclodextrins form 1:1 inclusion complexes with m-aminobenzoic acid. The thermodynamic properties of complex formation (K,Δ_c G ^o,Δ_c H ^o,Δ_c S ^o) were calculated. It was found that the processes of complexation are mainly favorable entropically. Introduction of hydroxypropyl- and methyl-substituents into the β-CD molecule results in negligible enhancement of stability of the complexes formed. The structure of these substituents has no influence on the stability constant values. The insertion of the carboxylic group of m-aminobenzoic acid into the cyclodextrin cavity was confirmed by ¹H NMR data.     

Spectral Characteristics of Bicalutamide Drug in Different Solvents and β-Cyclodextrin

Absorption and fluorescence spectra of bicalutamide (BCA) in different solvents and aqueous β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) solutions are reported. The solid inclusion complex of BCA with β-CD is prepared and investigated by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Stokes shift of BCA is correlated with various solvent polarity scales like E _T(30), BK and f(D,n). β-CD studies show that (i) the absorption and emission maxima of BCA are shifted to red, (ii) the absorbance is slightly decreased whereas emission intensity is increased largely with an increasing β-CD concentration, (iii) BCA forms 1:1 inclusion complex with β-CD and (iv) intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) emission is present in the excited state.     

Intramolecular charge transfer effects on 3-aminobenzoic acid

Effect of solvents, buffer solutions of different pH and β-cyclodextrin on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of 3-aminobenzoic acid (3ABA) have been investigated. The solid inclusion complex of 3ABA with β-CD is discussed by UV–Vis, fluorimetry, semiempirical quantum calculations (AM1), FT-IR, ¹H NMR and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔG and ΔS) of the inclusion process are also determined. The experimental results indicated that the inclusion processes is an exothermic and spontaneous. The large Stokes shift emission in solvents with 3ABA are correlated with different solvent polarity scales suggest that, 3ABA molecule is more polar in the S₁ state. Solvent, β-CD studies and excited state dipole moment values confirms that the presence of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in 3ABA. Acidity constants for different prototropic equilibria of 3ABA in the S₀ and S₁ states are calculated. β-Cyclodextrin studies shows that 3ABA forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with β-CD. β-CD studies suggest COOH group present in non-polar part and amino group present in hydrophilic part of the β-CD cavity. A mechanism is proposed to explain the inclusion process.     

Thermodynamic study on inclusion complex formation of riboflavin with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in water

The inclusion complex formation of riboflavin (RF) with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) in water was investigated by ¹H NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and solubility methods. A 1:1 stoichiometry and thermodynamic parameters of complex formation (K, Δ_c G ⁰, Δ_c H ⁰, and Δ_c S ⁰) were determined. Complexation was characterized by negative enthalpy and entropy changes due to prevalence of van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding between polar groups of the solutes. A partial insertion of RF into macrocyclic cavity was revealed on the basis of ¹H NMR data and molecular mechanics calculation. Location of benzene ring of RF molecule inside the hydrophobic cavity of HP-β-CD results in an increase of aqueous solubility of the former.     

Prednisone/Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation: Phase Solubility,Thermodynamic, Physicochemical and Computational Analysis

Guest–host interaction of prednisone (PN) with cyclodextrins (CDs) have been investigated using phase solubility diagrams (PSD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular mechanical modeling (MM). Estimates of the complex formation constant (K ₁₁) show that the tendency of PN to complex with CDs follows the order: β-CD>γ-CD>HP-β-CD>α-CD. At the same pH of 7.0, β-CD forms soluble 1:1 and insoluble 1:2 PN/CD complexes (B_S-type PSDs). The thermodynamic functions for 1:1 PN/β-CD estimated at pH = 7.0 (ΔG ₁₁^o=−20.8 kJ⋅mol⁻¹) show that complexation is driven by enthalpy (−30.7 kJ⋅mol⁻¹) but retarded by entropy (ΔS ₁₁^o=−33.1 J⋅mol⁻¹⋅K⁻¹) changes. The MM modeling study indicates the formation of different isomeric 1:1 complexes with CDs. PSD, DSC, XRPD, SEM and MM studies established the formation of inclusion complexes in solution and the solid state.     

Effect of Buffer Species on the Complexation of Basic Drug Terfenadine with β-Cyclodextrin

The complexation of terfenadine (Terf) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in solution and solid state has been investigated by phase solubility diagram (PSD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXD) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR). The PSD results indicated that the salt saturation with the buffer counter ion (citrate⁻², H₂PO₄⁻¹ and Cl⁻¹ ions) of Terf (pK _a = 9.5) and the hydrophobic effect play in tandem to increase the value of the complex formation constant (K₁₁) measured at different conditions of pH, ionic strength, buffer type and buffer concentration. The correlation of the free energy of complex formation (ΔG₁₁) with the free energy of inherent solubility of Terf (ΔG_So) obtained by changing the pH, ionic strength and buffer concentration was used to measure the contribution of the hydrophobic effect (desolvation) to complex formation. The hydrophobic effect was found to constitute 57.8% of the driving force for complex stability, while other factors including specific interactions contribute −13.4 kJ/mol. ¹H-NMR spectra of Terf–citrate and Terf–HCl salts gave identical chemical shift displacements (ΔΔ) upon complexation, thus indicating that the counter anions are positioned somewhere outside of the β-CD cavity. DSC, XRPD and ¹H-NMR proved the formation of solid Terf/acid/β-CD ternary complexes.     

Spectral Characteristics of Sulfa Drugs: Effect of Solvents,pH and <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrin

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of sulfamethoxazole (SMO), sulfisoxazole (SFO), sulfathiazole (STO) and sulfanilamide (SAM) in different solvents, pH and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) have been analyzed. The inclusion complexes of the above sulfa drugs with β-CD were investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorometry, DFT, SEM, FT-IR and ¹H NMR. The solvent study indicates that the position of the substituent (oxazole or thiazole group) in the SAM molecule (R–SO₂–NH-group) is not the key factor to change the absorption and emission behavior of these sulpha drug molecules. In aqueous solution, a single fluorescence band (340 nm) was observed whereas in solutions of β-CD dual emission (430 nm) was noticed in sulpha drug compounds. Formation of the inclusion complex in SMO, SFO and STO should result dual emission which is due to a Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer band (TICT). The β-CD study indicates that (i) sulpha drugs form 1:1 inclusion complexes with β-CD and (ii) the red shift and the presence of TICT in the β-CD medium confirms heterocyclic ring encapsulated in the β-CD cavity with the aniline ring present on the out side of the β-CD cavity.     

Study of the chromatographic behavior and inclusion constants of new fluorescence agents by use of cyclodextrin additives under conditions of steady- and dynamic-state equilibrium and with fluorescence detection

Summary We report four new derivatization agents, acridone-N-acetic acid (ARC), carbazole-9-ylacetic acid (CRA), carbazole-9-ylpropionic acid (CRP), and 2-methyl-2-carbazole-9-ylacetic acid (MCRA), with strong fluorescence emission which has low dependence on solvent polarity. The emission maxima for ARC, CRA, CRP, and MCRA were 430 nm (λ_ex 404 nm), 368 nm (λ_ex 335 nm), 356 nm (λ_ex 340 nm) and 360 nm (λ_ex 330 nm), respectively. The effects of mobile-phase composition, pH, and temperature on the liquid chromatographic retention behavior of the four fluorescence agents were investigated. An experimental model was established for calculating the inclusion constants of cyclodextrin (CD) complexes in the dynamic state, using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as examples, and different mobilephase compositions. On the basis of the model, the inclusion constants of the solutes in pure water (K _fw) were determined by extrapolation. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH ^o and ΔS ^o) and dissociation constantsK _am for the solutes in this chromatographic system were obtained by means of capacity factor (k) values using a corresponding model formulation.     

Thermodynamic Study of the Inclusion Interaction between Gemini Surfactants and Cyclodextrins by Isothermal Titration Microcalorimetry

The inclusion complexes of a series of bis-quarternary ammonium surfactants, (C _n N)₂Cl₂ (where n = 12, 14, 16) and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinae (AOT), with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) in aqueous solutions were investigated by using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) at 298.15 K. The stability constants, stoichiometry, and formation enthalpies, entropies and Gibbs energies for the complexes in aqueous solutions have been derived from the calorimetric data. The values of the binding constant, K ^∘ _i , are very large, which indicates that these complexes are quite stable in their aqueous solutions. The enthalpy changes (ΔH ^∘) for all of the inclusion processes are negative, showing that the complex process is enthalpy driven. The entropy effect (TΔS ^∘) is negative, so the inclusion process is entropically unfavorable. The large negative Gibbs energy changes indicate that formation of host-guest inclusion complexes is generally a spontaneous process. The thermodynamic parameters are discussed in the light of the different structures of the host and guest molecules.     

Selective Binding Thermodynamics of Bile Acids by Oligo (ethylenediamino)-β-Cyclodextrins and Their Copper (II) Complexes

Complex stability constants (K _S), standard molar enthalpy changes (ΔH°) and entropy changes (TΔS°) for the inclusion complexation of native β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (1) and some modified β-CDs, i.e., mono(6-ethylenediamino-6-deoxy)-β-CD (3), mono[6-diethylenetriamino-6-deoxy]-β-CD (4) and their corresponding copper complexes 5 and 6, with four representative bile acid guests, i.e., cholate (CA), deoxycholate (DCA), glycocholate (GCA) and taurocholate (TCA), were determined at 25 °C in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.20) by means of isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC). The stoichiometry of resulting inclusion complexes between CDs and bile acids was demonstrated by UV and conductivity as well as ITC experiments, showing 1:1 binding model upon all inclusion complexation except for metal-mediated dimer 5. The complex stability constants for modified β-CD 2–4 are dramatically magnified with the extended length of amino tether. As compared with 3 and 4, copper(II) complexes 5 and 6 significantly enhance not only binding ability but also molecular selectivity toward bile guest molecule CA through multipoint recognition, but decreased complexes stability toward TCA could be attributed to the decreased hydrophobic microenvironment of CDs cavity due to the introduction of copper(II) coordination center. Thermodynamically, the resulting complexes between hosts and bile guests are driven absolutely by enthalpy, accompanied by entropy gain or loss. Using the present data and those previously reported for mono(6-amino-6-deoxy)-β-CD (2), thermodynamic behavior and enhanced molecular selectivity could be discussed from the viewpoint of hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic cooperation and van der Waals between the hosts and guests.     

A Study of Haloperidol Inclusion Complexes with <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrin Using Phase Solubility,NMR Spectroscopy and Molecular Modeling Techniques

Guest-host interactions of haloperidol (Halo) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) have been investigated using several techniques including phase solubility diagrams (PSD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular mechanical modeling (MM⁺). From an analysis of the PSDs, both protonated and neutral Halo (pK _a=8.5) form soluble 1:1 and 1:2 Halo/β-CD complexes, while the insoluble complex has 1:2 (Halo:β-CD) stoichiometry (B_S-type PSD). Ionization of Halo reduces its tendency to complex with β-CD, where the protonated species at pH=4.6 and 6.0 have K ₁₁ values of 100 L⋅mol⁻¹ and 298 L⋅mol⁻¹, respectively, compared with 2000 L⋅mol⁻¹ for neutral species at pH=10.6. The hydrophobic character of Halo was found to provide 32% of the driving force for complex stability, whereas other factors including specific interactions contribute −15 kJ⋅mol⁻¹. ¹H-NMR and MM⁺ studies indicate the formation of isomeric 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, where the chlorophenyl, flurophenyl, piperidine and butanone moieties become included into separate β-CD cavities. The dominant driving force for complexation is evidently van der Waals with very little electrostatic contribution. PSD, ¹H-NMR, XRPD, DSC and SEM studies indicate the formation of inclusion complexes in solution and in the solid state.     

Investigation of the Hydrocortisone-<Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrin Complex by Phase Solubility Method: Some Theoretical and Practical Considerations

Phase solubility diagrams (PSDs) and molecular mechanical (MM) modeling were used to study the complexation of hydrocortisone (HCor) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The phase solubility profile of HCor with β-CD was classified as the B_s-type. PSDs revealed a six-fold increase in HCor water solubility upon addition of 7 mmol⋅dm⁻³ β-CD concentration (solubility in 7 mmol⋅dm⁻³ of β-CD/solubility in water). The thermodynamic study shows the complexation process is exothermic, with a ΔH value of −5.28 kJ⋅mol⁻¹. MM calculations were used to predict the optimal stoichiometry of the complex formed as well as the possible orientations of HCor inside the β-CD cavity. The complexes prepared were analyzed through chemical analysis, which provides evidence for the 1:1 complexation of HCor/β-CD. Electronic Supplementary Material The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Study on the Association Phenomenon of Cyclodextrin to Porphyrin J-aggregates by NMR Spectroscopy

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy demonstrated that the inclusion complexes of meso-tetrakis- (p-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS) with β-, Hydroxypropyl-β- and Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (β-, HP-β- and Me-β-CD) are formed, which resulted in the dissociation of TPPS J-aggregates efficiently under certain acidity. There are no significant differences in binding affinities and basic complexation mechanisms between TPPS and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), i.e. porphyrin is included through the wide side of the cavity of β-CD or HP-β-CD. Alternatively, porphyrin is included through the narrow side of the Me-β-CD cavity.     

Complex Formation of Cyclodextrins with Various Thiophenes and their Polymerization in Water: Preparation of Poly-pseudo-rotaxanes containing Poly(thiophene)s

Cyclodextrins (α-CD, β-CD and 2,6-di-O-dimethyl-β-CD (DM-β-CD)) were found to form inclusion compounds with thiophenes (thiophene (T), bithiophene (2T)) in water and in crystalline states. The structures of α-CD–T, β-CD–2T, and DM-β-CD–2T inclusion complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. DM-β-CD forms a 1:1 cage type complex with 2T. In contrast, β-CD formed 2:3 (CD:guest) complexes with thiophene and α-CD formed 2:3 complexes, both of the channel type. These inclusion complexes were found to polymerize by FeCl₃ in the inclusion compounds in water. The products were formed poly-pseudo-rotaxane between cyclodextrins and poly(thiophene) characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C CP/MAS NMR. The molecular weights of the poly-pseudo-rotaxanes with poly(thiophene) were determined by the MALDI-TOF mass spectra to be 3000–5000. In comparison between poly-pseudo-rotaxane (DM-β-CD–poly(thiophene)), authentic poly(thiophene) and the washed DM-β-CD–poly(thiophene) which was washed with DMF to dethread DM-β-CD, these poly-pseudo-rotaxane was characterized by Raman, UV–vis and fluorescence spectra. The maximum emission band of DM-β-CD–poly(thiophene) shifted to a shorter wavelength. The hypsochromic shift was derived from poly-pseudo-rotaxane with DM-β-CD.     

Spectrofluorometric, thermal, and molecular mechanics studies of the inclusion complexation of selected imidazoline-derived drugs with β-cyclodextrin in aqueous media

The inclusion complexes of selected imidazoline-derived drugs, namely Antazoline (AN), Naphazoline (NP) and Xylometazoline (XM) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were investigated using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and molecular mechanics (MM) calculations and modeling. The modified form of the Benesi-Hildebrand relation was employed for estimating the formation constant (K_f) of the 1:1 inclusion complexes, which was applied based on measuring the variation in the fluorescence intensity of the guest molecule as a function of growing β-CD concentration. On the other hand, the formation of the inclusion complexes was verified by analyzing solid samples of the complexes using DSC. The thermodynamics of the inclusion complexation, standard enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy changes −(ΔS°) were obtained from the temperature-dependence of K_f. Obtained values of ΔH° and ΔS° indicated that the inclusion process favorably proceeds through enthalpy changes that was sufficiently predominant to compensate for the unfavorable entropy changes. MM calculations revealed that the proposed drugs molecules can form 1:1 inclusion complexes with β-CD that are stabilized predominantly through van der Waals forces. In addition, MM calculation provided the energetically favored configuration of the inclusion complexes, where NP and XM can be included inside the β-CD cavity through its wide rim, whereas AN can penetrate through the narrow rim of the β-CD cavity.     

Inclusion complexation of diclofenac with natural and modified cyclodextrins explored through phase solubility, 1H-NMR and molecular modeling studies

Guest–host interactions were examined for neutral diclofenac (Diclo) and Diclofenac sodium (Diclo sodium) with each of the cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives: α-CD, β-CD, γ-CD and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), all in 0.05 M aqueous phosphate buffer solution adjusted to 0.2 M ionic strength with NaCl at 20 °C, and with β-CD at different pHs and temperatures. The pH solubility profiles were measured to obtain the acid–base ionization constants (pK _as) for Diclo in the presence and absence of β-CD. Phase solubility diagrams (PSDs) were also measured and analyzed through rigorous procedures to obtain estimates of the complex formation constants for Diclo/CD and Diclo sodium/CD complexation in aqueous solutions. The results indicate that both Diclo and Diclo sodium form soluble 1:1 complexes with α-, β-, and HP-β-CD. In contrast, Diclo forms soluble 1:1 Diclo/γ-CD complexes, while Diclo sodium forms 1:1 and 2:1 Diclo/γ-CD, but the 1:1 complex saturates at 5.8 mM γ-CD with a solubility product constant (pK _sp = 5.5). Therefore, though overall complex stabilities were found to follow the decreasing order: γ-CD > HP-β-CD > β-CD > α-CD, some complex precipitation problems may be faced with aqueous formulations of Diclo sodium with γ-CD, where the overall concentration of the latter exceeds 5.8 mM γ-CD. Both ¹H-NMR spectroscopic and molecular mechanical modeling (MM⁺) studies of Diclo/β-CD indicate the possible formation of soluble isomeric 1:1 complexes in water.