Influence of the presence of methyl cyclodextrins in high-performance liquid chromatography mobile phases on the separation of beta-carboline alkaloids

The presence of cyclodextrins (CDs) in the mobile phase alters the chromatographic equilibria and induces a secondary chemical equilibrium associated to the chromatographic separation by HPLC. In this study the influence of the presence of CDs in the mobile phase as chemically modified beta-CDs, i.e. 2,3-di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DMbeta-CD) and 2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TMbeta-CD) on the separation of the alkaloids norharmane, harmane and harmine is described. These beta-carboline alkaloids are chemically and structurally related and their quantitation by RP-HPLC is of interest due to their biological and pharmacological properties. Two stationary phases (methyl-, C(1) and octadecyl-, C(18)) were employed, with methanol:buffered aqueous solution and ethanol:buffered aqueous solution as mobile phases. The role of tert-butyl alcohol as a mobile phase modifier and also as an inclusion complex stabiliser was also considered. The concentrations of DMbeta-CD and TMbeta-CD vary from 0 to 17 mM. The presence of increasing amounts of CDs in the mobile phase reduces the retention factor. The changes observed in the retention factor allow the determination of the alkaloid/CD apparent association constants, whose magnitude is influenced by the chemical and structural properties of the guest molecules but also by the composition of the mobile phase. Assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry for the inclusion complexes, the apparent association constants obtained were higher for norharmane and for both DMbeta-CD and TMbeta-CD. The strength of the complexes is higher for DMbeta-CD than for TMbeta-CD and this behaviour can be explained considering the steric problems associated to the permethylated-beta-CDs. Besides significant differences in the magnitude of the apparent association constants were observed for the two stationary phases employed and thus can be related to the adsorption of CDs on the stationary phase. A significant reduction in the proportion of organic solvent in the mobile phase (50%) without a decrease in the selectivity or resolution of the separation is a favourable consequence of the presence of the CDs in the mobile phase.     

Hydrogen-Bonding Interactions between Harmane and Pyridine in the Ground and Lowest Excited Singlet States

Abstract— A spectroscopic (UV-visible, Fourier transform IR, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence) study of hydrogen-bonding interactions between harmane (1-meth-yl-9H-pyrido/3,4- b /indole) and pyridine in the ground and lowest excited singlet state is reported. In low polar and weakly or nonhydrogen-bonding solvents, such as cy-clohexane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, toluene and benzene, the analysis of the spectroscopic data indicates that harmane and pyridine form 1:1 stoichiometric hydrogen-bonded complexes in both the ground and singlet excited states. The formation constants of the complexes are greater in the excited than in the ground state. Hydrogen-bonding interaction in the excited state is essential for the quenching of the fluorescence of harmane by pyridine. The stabilities of the hydrogen-bonded complexes between harmane and pyridine diminish as the polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability of the solvent increase.     

Effect of chlorine as substituent on the photochemistry and acid-base properties of beta-carboline alkaloids

The UV-absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of the 6-chloro-, 8-chloro-, 6,8-dichloro-derivatives of nor-harmane, harmane and harmine and the 8-chloro-derivative of harmol were studied. These studies were performed in EtOH and in EtOH+1% perchloric acid solutions (pa). Furthermore, fluorescence quantum yields (phi(f)) in both media and in acetonitrile and acetonitrile + 1% perchloric acid solutions at 298 K were measured. The HOMO and LUMO energy, the positions (lambda(max)) and oscillator strength (f) of the 1S1 <-- 1S0 band for all the neutral and protonated beta-carbolines studied were calculated and compared with the experimental data. The pK(a) values in aqueous solution for for 6-chloro-, 8-chloro- and 6,8-dichloro-nor-harmane, harmane and harmine and 8-chloro-harmol were spectrophotometrically measured (pK(a(H2O)). The change of the acid-base character of these compounds on going from the ground state (pK(a)) to the first electronic excited singlet state (pKa*) as DeltapKa = pKa*-pKa, in ethanol solution at 298 K were calculated (DeltapK(a(EtOH))). Ground-state proton affinity (PA) for all the compounds studied defined as minus the enthalpy change of the reaction M + H(+) --> MH+ (gas state) were calculated. Basicity relative to pyridine (DeltaH(rPy)) defined as the enthalpy change of the isodesmic reaction MH(+) + Py --> M + PyH+ in gas state and in water solution, were also calculated (ab initio calculations). The effect of chlorine as substituent on the photochemistry and acid-base properties of the beta-carboline alkaloids is discussed.     

Experimental and theoretical studies on the inclusion complexation of syringic acid with alpha-, beta-, gamma- and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin

Intermolecular interactions of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (CD) with syringic acid (Syr) in aqueous solution are investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence intensity of Syr gradually increases with the addition of the CDs. The formation constants (K) of the host-guest inclusion complexes are determined using a nonlinear analysis. The association abilities of Syr with the CDs decrease in the order gamma->beta->alpha- approximately DMbeta-CD. Both the intrinsic binding abilities of the CDs and the structural effect of Syr are taken into consideration when comparing the K values. Based on the results of NMR experimental and theoretical PM3 calculations both in vacuo and in water, it is found that Syr stays near the wider rim of alpha-CD cavity. Both the number of substituted groups (NSG) in a guest and the molar volume ratio of the guest to host cavity (MVR) play an important role in forming the CD supramolecular complexes of a homologous series of phenol derivatives, such as 2-methoxylphenol (2-Mop), eugenol (Eug) and Syr, i.e., an appropriate NSG or MVR in an inclusion system, such as in 2-Mop-alpha-CD, Eug-beta-CD and Syr-gamma-CD systems, can maximize the intermolecular interaction between host and guest.     

Photochemistry of the alkaloids eudistomin N (6-bromo-nor-harmane) and eudistomin O (8-bromo-nor-harmane) and other bromo-beta-carbolines

The UV-absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of the alkaloids eudistomin N (6-bromo-nor-harmane) and eudistomin O (8-bromo-nor-harmane) were described. In order to perform a comparative analysis, we also studied other bromo-beta-carbolines and the corresponding non-substituted-carboline. Thus, 6-bromo-, 8-bromo-, 6,8-dibromo-, 3,6-dibromo- and 3,6,8-tribromo-derivatives of nor-harmane, harmane and harmine were studied. These studies were performed in EtOH and in EtOH + 1% perchloric acid solutions (pa). Furthermore, fluorescence quantum yields (phi(f)) in acetonitrile and acetonitrile + 1% perchloric acid solutions at 298 K were measured. The HOMO and LUMO energy, the positions (lambda(max)) and oscillator strength (f) of the (1)S(1) <--(1)S(0) band for all the neutral and protonated beta-carbolines studied was calculated and compared with the experimental data. The pK(a) values in aqueous solution for eudistomin N and O (6-bromo- and 8-bromo-nor-harmane), for 6-bromo-, 8-bromo- and 6,8-dibromo-harmane, and for 6-bromo- and 8-bromo-harmine were spectrophotometrically measured (pK((a)(H(2)O))) . The change of the acid-base character of these compounds on going from the ground state (pK(a)) to the first electronic excited singlet state (pK(a)(*)) as DeltapK(a) = pK(a)(*)-pK(a) = 0.625 Deltanu /T, in ethanol solution at 298 K were calculated (DeltapK(a(EtOH))). Proton affinities (PA) for all the compounds studied defined as minus the enthalpy change of the reaction M+H(+)--> MH(+) (gas state) were calculated. Basicity relative to pyridine (DeltaH(rPy)) defined as the enthalpy change of the isodesmic reaction MH(+) + Py--> M + PyH(+) (gas state) was also calculated. The effect of bromine as substituent on the properties of the beta-carboline moiety in nor-harmane, harmane and harmine is discussed.     

Photophysical studies of some dyes in aqueous solution of triton X-100

The spectral (both absorption and fluorescence) and photoelectrochemical studies of a few selective dyes, namely, anionic erythrosin B, neutral riboflavin and cationic safranin O have been carried out in aqueous solution of triton X-100, a neutral surfactant. The results show that the ionic dyes, erythrosin B and safranin O form 1:1 electron donor-acceptor (EDA) or charge-transfer (CT) complexes with triton X-100 both in the ground and excited states, whereas neutral dye riboflavin in its excited state forms 1:1 complex with triton X-100. In these complexes, the dyes act as electron acceptors whereas triton X-100 acts as an electron donor. The fluorescence spectra of erythrosin B and safranin O in presence of triton X-100 show enhancement of fluorescence intensity with red and blue shifts respectively while riboflavin shows normal quenching of fluorescence. A good correlation has been found among photovoltage generation of the systems consisting of these dyes and triton X-100, spectral shift due to complex formation and thermodynamic properties of these complexes.     

Solid-phase fluorescence and ionization efficiency in negative-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization of neutral oligosaccharides: Interaction between <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-carboline matrix and ammonium salt

Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) with a beta-carboline harmine (7-methoxy-1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole) Matrix promotes the generation of chloride-anionized molecules of neutral oligosaccharides in negative-ion ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). The relative abundances of anionized molecules and matrix ([Analyte + Cl]-/[matrix + Cl]-) correlate with the amount of NH4Cl added, and saturate at a level of NH4Cl approximately four times that of the matrix. Their solid-phase fluorescence spectra indicate that harmine and NH4Cl form a complex of the hydrochloride salt in the mixed crystal. The peak intensity at 448 nm from the harmine hydrochloride in the mixed crystal rises logarithmically with the amount of NH4Cl added, a result that quantitatively correlates with increases in the ion abundance ratios of the chloride-anionized molecules to that of harmine. The solid-phase spectroscopic method is useful for studying changes in the characteristics of the matrices and additives in the mixed crystal. Harmine hydrochloride, rather than harmine, works as an effective matrix. The attachment of the chloride to the matrix is essential for the generation of chlorinated-anionized molecules in MALDI. An N-acetyl glucosamine residue (GlcNAc) in lacto-N-tetraose promotes the generation of their chloride-anionized molecules, however, multi-GlcNAc residues in N-acetylchitooligosaccharides hinder it.     

Interaction of Sulfonated Calix [n] arenes with Rhodamine B and Its Application to Determine Acetylcholine in a Real Neutral Aqueous Medium

Complexation between Rhodamine B (RB) and sulfonated calix [n] arenes (SCnA) were studied by means of UV‐vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. In the presence of sulfonated calix[n] arenes, the absorption band of Rhodamine B shifts to longer wavelength and its intensity decreases. The formation of a host‐guest type complex also results in the fluorescence quenching of Rhodamine B. The association constants for the RB/SCnA complexes increase in the order of SC4A < SC6A < SC8A and show dependence on the size of the cavities of the calixarenes. The fluorescence is selectively regenerated by adding acetylcholine. Based on this observation, a method to determine acetylcholine in a real neutral aqueous medium was developed.     

Quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in various proteins by a series of small nickel complexes

A series of twelve anionic, cationic, and neutral nickel(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of these complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA), lysozyme (Lyso), and tryptophan (Trp) has been studied using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. Dynamic and static quenching constants have been calculated, and the role played in quenching by the ligand and complex charge investigated. The nickel complexes showed selectivity towards the different proteins based on the environment surrounding the Trp residue(s). Only small neutral complexes with hydrophobic ligands effectively quenched protein fluorescence via static quenching, with association constants ranging from 10(2) M(-1) (free Trp) to 10(10) M(-1) (lysozyme), indicating a spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable interaction. The number of binding sites, on average, was determined to be one in BSA, HSA and free Trp, and two in lysozyme.     

Theoretical and experimental study of the inclusion complexes of the 3-carboxy-5,6-benzocoumarinic acid with cyclodextrins

The 3-carboxy-5,6-benzocoumarinic acid (BzCum) presents important emission properties that could make it suitable to be used as a fluorescence marker for proteins. Since the guest-cyclodextrin interaction can be used as a model for the ligand-protein interaction, the host-guest complexes of BzCum with alpha-, beta-, gamma-, 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (2-HP-beta-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin (2-HP-gamma-CD) were investigated by means of steady-state fluorescence measurements. As the guest may exist either in anionic or in neutral form, the experiments were performed at two different pH values, 9.48 and 2.11. The association constants and the stoichiometry of the complexes were estimated by non-linear regression analysis. A theoretical study of the complexes was made using molecular mechanics (MM) calculation methods. The electrostatic and van der Waals contributions to the energy were estimated and a discussion was made on this basis.     

Micellar behavior of aqueous solutions of dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride and tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride in the presence of alpha-, beta-, HPbeta- and gamma-cyclodextrins

Conductivity, static fluorescence and (1)H NMR measurements have been carried out to study the micellar behavior of aqueous solutions of dodecyldimethylethylammonium bromide (DDAB), dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (TDAC) in absence and presence of alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD), beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbeta-CD) and gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD). The conductivity measurements were carried out at 298.15 K. The influence of cyclodextrins on the micellar parameters, such as cmc* (apparent critical micellar concentration), beta (degree of ionization) have been analyzed. Thermodynamics of the systems was discussed in terms of the change in standard free energy of micellization, DeltaG(m)(0). Micellization was found to be less spontaneous in presence of cyclodextrins. The fluorescence intensity of the surfactant solutions is enhanced by the addition of cyclodextrins. The association constants obtained from conductivity and fluorescence data suggest the binding of gamma-CD with the surfactants to be strongest among all the cyclodextrins used. (1)H NMR chemical shift changes provide powerful means for probing the cyclodextrin-micellar interactions and inclusion of surfactant is shown by the change in the chemical shift of some of the guest and host protons in comparison with the chemical shifts of the same protons in the free compounds.     

Host�Cguest association studied by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful single molecule technique for the study of the stability and the association dynamics of supramolecular systems and, in particular, of host?Cguest inclusion complexes. With FCS the host?Cguest binding equilibrium constant is determined analysing the variation in the diffusion coefficient of the fluorescent guest or host with no need for a change in the photophysical properties of the fluorescent probe. FCS gives also access to the association/dissociation rate constants of the host?Cguest inclusion providing that the fluorescence intensity of host or guest changes upon complexation. These rate constants can be compared with that of a diffusion-controlled process estimated from the same FCS experiment allowing for a better understanding of the association dynamics. The results show that cyclodextrin cavities act as ??hard?? cages which put geometric and orientational restrictions on the inclusion of a hydrophobic guest, whereas micelles behave as ??soft?? cages without geometrical requirements. In our contribution to this special issue we review briefly the application of FCS to the study of host?Cguest inclusion complexes with an emphasis on practical aspects and relevant bibliographic references.     

Diarylethylene guest anchored into a cyclodextrin molecular host: optical,quantum chemical studies and biological activity

The host–guest complexation between a novel guest namely; 2-(4-pyridinylbenzothiazolyl) ethane, PBE and β-cyclodextrin was studied using steady-state absorption and emission techniques. The fluorescence maximum is strongly blue-shifted with a great enhancement in the fluorescence intensity upon addition of β-CD, confirming the formation of inclusion complexes. The solid inclusion complex between PBE and β-CD has been prepared, characterised using FT-IR, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope techniques. PBE is encapsulated with β-CD nanocavity and 1:1 PBE–β-CD host–guest interaction is identified. This is confirmed using semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations. PBE guest entered into the less polar cavity through the benzothiazole moiety. The negative values of enthalpy and free energy changes suggest that the encapsulation process is thermodynamically favourable. Additionally, the fluorescence is more sensitive to the micellar medium, whether it was cationic, anionic or neutral as well as metal ions like, Li⁺, Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺. Finally, the antimicrobial activities of PBE guest and its inclusion complex with β-CD host are studied.     

Study of solvent and pH dependence of the absorption and luminescence characteristics of 2-hydroxycarbazole

Electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra in different solvents have indicated that 2-hydroxycarbazole behaves as proton donor in both ground and electronically excited singlet states. In aqueous solutions, five prototropic species of 2-hydroxycarbazole have been detected and the prototropism has been established by the study of 2-methoxycarbazole. Acidity constants of the various acid—base equilibria have indicated that the behaviour of the molecule is similar in both ground and excited singlet states.     

Supramolecular recognition. Terpyridyl palladium and platinum molecular clefts and their association with planar platinum complexes

Molecular receptors, consisting of either two parallel cofacially disposed terpyridyl-Pd-Cl+ or terpyridyl-Pt-Cl+ units, are described. Concerted rotation of these units about the molecular spacer can alter their separation between 6.4 and 7.2 A to accommodate the dimensions of molecular guests. Neutral and anionic planar complexes of platinum(II) were investigated as guests to determine if metal-metal interaction between the host and guest metals could stabilize host-guest association. With a neutral guest, it was found that host-guest formation is signaled by a color change from light yellow to deep red. For one of the anionic guests, a visible absorption band appears upon host-guest formation with the platinum receptor that is ascribed to transitions associated with a Pt-Pt interaction. The association constants found for the neutral guest with the palladium and platinum receptors are large, suggesting that metal-metal interaction contributes to the molecular recognition. The structures of the host-(neutral)guest complexes in solution have been determined by 1H NOESY spectra. A crystal structure of the platinum host-(neutral)guest complex is the same as that found in solution and confirms the presence of a Pt-Pt interaction. Temperature-dependent (195)Pt NMR spectra in solution provide a quantitative estimate of the conformational interconversions of the free platinum receptor.     

Photophysical and Photochemical Properties of Naturally Occurring normelinonine F and Melinonine F Alkaloids and Structurally Related N(2)‐ and/or N(9)‐methyl‐β‐carboline Derivatives

In the present work, we have synthesized and fully characterized the photophysical and photochemical properties of a selected group of N‐methyl‐β ‐carboline derivatives (9‐methyl‐β ‐carbolines and iodine salts of 2‐methyl‐ and 2,9‐dimethyl‐β ‐carbolinium) in aqueous solutions, in the pH range 4.0–14.5. Moreover, despite the quite extensive studies reported in the literature regarding the overall photophysical behavior of N‐unsubstituted β Cs, this work constitutes the first full and unambiguous characterization of anionic species of N‐unsubstituted β Cs (nor harmane, harmane and harmine), present in aqueous solution under highly alkaline conditions (pH > 13.0). Acid dissociation constants (K _a), thermal stabilities, room temperature UV –visible absorption and fluorescence emission and excitation spectra, fluorescence quantum yields (Ф _F) and fluorescence lifetimes (τ _F), as well as quantum yields of singlet oxygen production (Ф _Δ) have been measured for all the studied compounds. Furthermore, for the first time to our knowledge, chemometric techniques (MCR ‐ALS and PARAFAC ) were applied on these systems, providing relevant information about the equilibria and species involved. The impact of all the foregoing observations on the biological role, as well as the potential biotechnological applications of these compounds, is discussed.     

Hydrogen-bonding and Proton Transfer Interactions between Harmane and Trifluoroethanol in the Ground and Excited Singlet States

A study of the hydrogen-bonding and proton transfer reactions of the ground and excited states of harmane (1-methyl-9H-pyrido/3,4-b/indole) and its N ₉-methyl derivative with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in cyclohexane is reported. Spectral measurements (UV–visible, Fourier trans-form IR, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence) show the formation of fluorescent ground-state hydrogen-bonded complexes. The results have been interpreted assuming a tautomeric equilibrium between a 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex and its 1:2 proton transfer tautomer (hydrogen-bonding ion pair). Upon excitation to its singlet excited state, the proton transfer tautomer of harmane reacts with an additional 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol molecule to give a zwitterionic exciplex, which fluoresces at longer wavelength.     

Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Inclusion Capability of a Fluorescent Indolizine β-Cyclodextrin Sensor Towards Volatile and Semi-volatile Organic Guest

Inclusion equilibria of a new fluorescent indolizine modified β-cyclodextrin were studied in aqueous solution to evaluate its use as a fluorescent chemo-sensor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The host compound shows a decrease of the fluorescence intensity by adding adamantanol, benzene, toluene, phenol and p-cresol as guest. The sensing parameter (ΔI/I ₀) was used to show the sensing ability of the host. The formation constant values measured using a spectral displacement method and a specific algorithm treatment are reported. Although the guest binding ability of the sensor is not enhanced by the existence of the hydrophobic cap, this new cyclodextrin sensor shows a very strong sensing ability. The experimental values of the constants were in good agreement with the computed complexation energies, ΔE, from molecular mechanics modelling of the inclusion process.     

Photophysical and photodynamical study of fluoroquinolone drug molecule in bile salt aggregates

Photophysical properties of two widely used antibiotic fluoroquinolone drugs, namely Norfloxacin (NOR) and Ofloxacin (OFL) have been investigated in biomimicking environments formed by bile salts. Experimental results demonstrate that photophysical enhancement and fall of a particular prototropic species are sensitive to the excitation wavelength in bile salt aggregates. Excitation at shorter wavelengths reveals quenching of fluorescence of these fluoroquinolone with addition of sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), sodium taurocholate (NaTC) and sodium glycodeoxycholate (NaGDC). On the contrary, we observe a steady increase in the fluorescence intensity with a continuous redshift upon excitation at longer wavelength. The experimental results were rationalized in terms of the fact that, neutral and zwitterionic species of fluoroquinolone molecules in bile salt aggregates are selectively excited at shorter wavelength while the cationic form of fluoroquinolone molecules are excited at longer wavelength. The excess hydronium ions in the hydrophilic surface of bile salt aggregates convert the neutral species of NOR and OFL into cationic species causing an enhancement in the emission intensity. We found that NaGDC and NaTC because of the conjugate head group are more effective in converting the neutral species of fluoroquinolones into a cationic species than NaDC. The quenching order is in accordance with hydrophobicity indices of bile salt.     

Conformational changes induced in the Tet repressor protein TetR(B) upon operator or anhydrotetracycline binding as revealed by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy on single tryptophan mutants

We have analyzed the tryptophan (trp) fluorescence-decay kinetics of single trp mutants of the Tet repressor protein in the free, the tet operator and anhydrotetracycline (atc)-bound states. The position of the single trp varies between residues 164 and 171, in close proximity to one entrance of the tetracycline-binding pocket. A good fit of the trp fluorescence decay needed generally three exponentials. The decay times vary with detection wavelength, the extent of this variation being correlated to the variation of the emission maximum. Quenching experiments with neutral (acrylamide), cationic (N-methylpyridinium chloride) and anionic quencher (KI) support the interpretation of the three fluorescence components within a conformer model. Operator and atc binding change the ratio of the relative amplitudes of the medium- and long-lived component, thus pointing to structural changes as indicated also by the changes in decay time. Since the fluorescence decay is different between the free, atc- and operator-bound states we conclude that the protein structure is different in each of these three states. The fluorescence quenching constants reflect not only the variation in solvent exposure with position, but also the fact that the net surface charge in this region is negative, because the quenching constants by the cationic quencher are up to 10-fold higher. The atc fluorescence appears to decay monoexponentially with about the same decay time for all mutants, except W170, in which the trp residue sterically interferes with atc.