Structural Effects of Oligosaccharide-Branched Cyclodextrins on the Dual Recognition toward Lectin and Drug

Bi-galactose-branched cyclodextrins (Bi-Gal-CDs)(1–6) having different spacer arm lengths between two terminal galactoses were foundto have the optimum length for association with PNA lectin. Also, the inclusioninteraction of the drug depended on the length of the spacer arms. The dual association of thesecompounds was quantitatively evaluated by SPR and compared to the other oligosaccharide-branchedCDs (Scheme 1). The number and the length of the spacer arm are important for theassociation both with the lectin and drug for the purpose of targeting drug-delivery systems.The association constants K of bi-Gal-CD (2) with rat liver cells showed a 60 timeshigher association than with PNA. Direct evidence of the association between PNA andbi-Gal-CD (2) was characterized by AFM observations. The results obtained strongly suggested a method to find a new design for the targeting drug carrier. In order toincrease the association with the cell, a sufficient spacer arm length is necessary for the effectivedual recognition of the oligosaccharide-CDs. In order to increase the inclusion of thedrug, the CD structure of a multi-saccharide branch is necessary.