Spectroscopic analysis on the interaction of ferulic acid and tetramethylpyrazine with trypsin

The interaction of trypsin with tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and ferulic acid (FA) was studied using fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, UV–vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD) and three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectra techniques. Using fluorescence quenching calculations, the bimolecular quenching constant (k_q), apparent quenching constant (K_SV), effective binding constant (K_a) and binding site number (n) were obtained. The distance r between donor and acceptor was found to be 2.049 and 1.281 nm for TMP–trypsin and FA–trypsin complexes. TMP and FA can quench the fluorescence intensity of trypsin by a static quenching procedure. Thermodynamic parameters calculated on the basis of different temperatures revealed that the binding of trypsin to TMP/FA mainly depended on van der Waals' forces and hydrogen bonds. The effect of TMP and FA on the conformation of trypsin was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence, CD, 3D fluorescence spectra and molecular docking studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic analysis on structure–affinity relationship in the interactions of different oleanane‐type triterpenoids with bovine serum albumin

Oleanane‐type triterpenoids serve as an important group of plant secondary metabolites with a variety of biological activities and the C‐3 position substitution pattern is a significant structural feature for their biological activities. Three selected oleanane‐type triterpenoids (glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and carbenoxolone) bearing different substituents (glucuronic acid dimer, hydroxyl, and succinyl groups) at the C‐3 position were studied for their affinities to bind bovine serum albumin (BSA) by steady‐state fluorescence, synchronous, three‐dimensional fluorescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra. The binding mechanism of the triterpenoids to BSA is due to the formation of the triterpenoids–BSA complex and the binding affinity is strongest for carbenoxolone and ranked in the order carbenoxolone > glycyrrhetinic acid > glycyrrhizin. The thermodynamic parameters calculated at different temperatures showed that triterpenoids binding to BSA primarily depended on hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The distance between the bound triterpenoid and BSA was determined on the basis of the Förster's energy transfer theory. Displacement experiments using phenylbutazone and ibuprofen showed the binding site of triterpenoids on BSA at subdomain IIA (Sudlow's site I). The effect of triterpenoids on BSA conformation was analyzed by UV–vis absorption, and synchronous and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra. These results revealed that the C‐3 position substitution pattern significantly affects the structure–affinity relationships of oleanane‐type triterpenoid binding to BSA and further affects the bioavailability of triterpenoids in the blood circulatory system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of quercetin on the amiloride–bovine serum albumin interaction using spectroscopic methods,molecular docking and chemometric approaches

The effect of quercetin flavonoid (QUE), on the binding interaction of antihypertensive drug, amiloride (AMI) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated in this study. Spectroscopic methods such as steady‐state, synchronous, three‐dimensional fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy were employed to study the interaction. Fluorescence data were analyzed using the Stern–Volmer equation and a static quenching process was found to be involved in the formation of AMI–BSA and QUE–BSA complexes and were in good agreement with the thermodynamic study. The thermodynamic parameters illustrated that the process is spontaneous and enthalpy driven. Hydrophobicity is acting as the primary force in the binding interaction. Fluorescence spectral data were resolved using a multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares method (MCR–ALS). Site marker and molecular docking studies confirmed the binding site of AMI on BSA, i.e. site II. The binding distance between amino acid of BSA and AMI was calculated and found to be 2.18 nm which indicated that energy transfer has occurred from an amino acid of BSA to AMI. The binding affinity of AMI to BSA was found to be reduced in the presence of QUE, which may lead to the poor distribution of AMI at the desired site.     

Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis on interaction of fleroxacin with pepsin

The interaction between fleroxacin (FLX) and pepsin was investigated by spectrofluorimetry. The effects of FLX on pepsin showed that the microenvironment of tryptophan residues and molecular conformation of pepsin were changed based on fluorescence quenching and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. Static quenching was suggested and it was proved that the fluorescence quenching of pepsin by FLX was related to the formation of a new complex and a non‐radiation energy transfer. The quenching constants K_SV, binding constants K and binding sites n were calculated at different temperatures. The molecular interaction distance (r = 6.71) and energy transfer efficiency (E = 0.216) between pepsin and FLX were obtained according to the Forster mechanism of non‐radiation energy transfer. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction played a major role in FLX–pepsin association. In addition, the hydrophobic interaction and binding free energy were further tested by molecular modeling study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic exploration and thermodynamic characterization of desvenlafaxine interacting with fluorescent bovine serum albumin

The mechanism of the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and desvenlafaxine was studied using fluorescence, ultraviolet absorption, 3‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltametry, differential scanning calorimetry, and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques under physiological condition at pH 7.4. Stern‐Volmer calculations authenticate the fluorescence of BSA that was quenched by desvenlafaxine in a collision quenching mode. The fluorescence quenching method was used to evaluate number of binding sites “n” and binding constant K _A that were measured, and various thermodynamic parameters were evaluated at different temperatures by using the van't Hoff equation and differential scanning calorimetry technique, which indicated a spontaneous and hydrophobic interaction between BSA and desvenlafaxine. According to the Förster theory we calculate the distance between the donor, BSA and acceptor, desvenlafaxine molecules. Furthermore, circular dichroism and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicate nominal changes in the secondary structure of the protein.     

Fluorescence spectroscopic studies on the interaction of Gemini surfactant 14‐6‐14 with bovine serum albumin

The interaction of the cationic Gemini surfactant hexamethylene‐1,3‐bis (tetradecyldimethylammonium bromide) (14‐6‐14) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated by fluorescence quenching spectra and three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectra. The Stern–Volmer quenching constants K_SV and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔG and ΔS have been estimated by the fluorescence quenching method. The results indicated that hydrophobic forces were the predominant intermolecular forces between BSA and the surfactant. Competitive experiments and the number of binding sites calculation show that 14‐6‐14 can be inserted in site‐II (in subdomain IIIA) of BSA. The effect of 14‐6‐14 on the conformation of BSA was evaluated by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and 3D fluorescence spectral methods. The results show that the conformation of BSA was changed dramatically in the presence of 14‐6‐14, by binding to the Trp and Try residues of BSA. The investigation provides interaction between BSA and 14‐6‐14 as a model for molecular design and industrial research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of quercetin on the interaction of gliclazide with human serum albumin – spectroscopic and docking approaches

Protein‐binding interactions are displacement reactions which have been implicated as the causative mechanisms in many drug–drug interactions. Thus, the aim of presented study was to analyse human serum albumin‐binding displacement interaction between two ligands, hypoglycaemic drug gliclazide and widely distributed plant flavonoid quercetin. Fluorescence analysis was used in order to investigate the effect of substances on intrinsic fluorescence of human serum albumin (HSA) and to define binding and quenching properties of ligand–albumin complexes in binary and ternary systems, respectively. Both ligands showed the ability to bind to HSA, although to a different extent. The displacement effect of one ligand from HSA by the other one has been described on the basis of the quenching curves and binding constants comparison for the binary and ternary systems. According to the fluorescence data analysis, gliclazide presents a substance with a lower binding capacity towards HSA compared with quercetin. Results also showed that the presence of quercetin hindered the interaction between HSA and gliclazide, as the binding constant for gliclazide in the ternary system was remarkably lower compared with the binary system. This finding indicates a possibility for an increase in the non‐bound fraction of gliclazide which can lead to its more significant hypoglycaemic effect. Additionally, secondary and tertiary structure conformational alterations of HSA upon binding of both ligands were investigated using synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism and FT‐IR. Experimental data were complemented with molecular docking studies. Obtained results provide beneficial information about possible interference upon simultaneous co‐administration of the food/dietary supplement and drug.     

Human serum albumin–malathion complex study in the presence of silver nanoparticles at different sizes by multi spectroscopic techniques

The binding of malathion to human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated for the first time by multiple spectroscopic methods such as fluorescence quenching, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), circular dichroism, red-edge excitation shift (REES), synchronous fluorescence and three dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy under physiological conditions .The results indicated that binding of malathion to HSA induced fluorescence quenching through static mechanism. The number of binding sites was calculated by double logarithmic equation. Changes in the micro-environment of the fluorophore residues were also probed by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and REES. Changes of secondary structure of HSA in HSA–malathion complex was verified by circular dichroism approach in the presence of AgNPs that showed the electrostatic interaction changes in the protein structure. The binding average distance (r) between the donor (HSA) and the acceptor (malathion) was measured and found to be 1.63?nm according to the Forster’s theory of non-radiation energy transfer which was <7?nm confirmed the existence of static quenching in the presence of AgNPs. The conformational changes of HSA by three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy were studied. By comparing the resonance light scattering in the binary and ternary systems, we could estimate the effect of AgNPs on the precipitation of the malathion on the HSA. Generally we have discussed the toxicity reduction effect of malathion in food industrial by the results of spectroscopy techniques.     

New Insights into the Toxicity of n‐Butanol to Trypsin: Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Descriptions

n‐Butanol has been widely used and its residue exists extensively in the environment. It could lead to conformational and functional changes of trypsin by forming a complex with it. Docking method and spectrographic technique were employed to the study of the complex of trypsin and n‐butanol. The fluorescence results indicated that n‐butanol can form a complex with trypsin and change the distance between tryptophan and fluorescence quenchers. The conformational changes of trypsin were proved by UV–visible absorption and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy indicating that n‐butanol had little effect on the conformation of trypsin at a low concentration while denatured and coagulated the trypsin at a high concentration. The binding site was displayed by molecular modeling, which gave information about distances and binding forces between n‐butanol and trypsin. The results were in accordance with spectroscopic experiments. Besides, enzyme activity assay gave the dose‐response relationship of n‐butanol with trypsin.     

Exploration of interaction of canthaxanthin with human serum albumin by spectroscopic and molecular simulation methods

The interaction between the food colorant canthaxanthin (CA) and human serum albumin (HSA) in aqueous solution was explored by using fluorescence spectroscopy, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra, synchronous fluorescence spectra, UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectra and molecular docking methods. The thermodynamic parameters calculated from fluorescence spectra data showed that CA could result in the HSA fluorescence quenching. From the K_SV change with the temperature dependence, it was concluded that HSA fluorescence quenching triggered by CA is the static quenching and the number of binding sites is one. Furthermore, the secondary structure of HSA was changed with the addition of CA based on the results of synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence and CD spectra. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played key roles in the binding process of CA with HSA, which can be obtained from negative standard enthalpy (ΔH) and negative standard entropy (ΔS). Furthermore, the conclusions were certified by molecular docking studies and the binding mode was further analyzed with Discovery Studio. These conclusions can highlight the potential of the interaction mechanism of food additives and HSA.     

Study on the binding of chlorogenic acid to pepsin by spectral and molecular docking

The interaction of pepsin with chlorogenic acid (CHA) was investigated using fluorescence, UV/vis spectroscopy and molecular modeling methods. Stern–Volmer analysis indicated that the fluorescence quenching of pepsin by CHA resulted from a static mechanism, and the binding constant was 1.1846 × 10⁵ and 1.1587 × 10⁵ L/mol at 288 and 310 K, respectively. The distance between donor (pepsin) and acceptor (CHA) was calculated to be 2.39 nm and the number of binding sites for CHA binding on pepsin was ~ 1. The results of synchronous fluorescence and three‐dimensional fluorescence showed that binding of CHA to pepsin could induce conformational changes in pepsin. Molecular docking experiments found that CHA bonded with pepsin in the area of the hydrophobic cavity with Van der Waals' forces or hydrogen bonding interaction, which were consistent with the results obtained from the thermodynamic parameter analysis. Furthermore, the binding of CHA can inhibit pepsin activity in vitro. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation and comparison of the binding between tolvaptan and pepsin and trypsin: Multi‐spectroscopic approaches and molecular docking

Tolvaptan (TF), a selective arginine vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009. This study mainly investigated the differences between the binding of TF with pepsin and trypsin by using a series of spectroscopy and molecular modeling methods. Thermodynamic parameters and molecular docking results suggested that the binding of TF to pepsin and trypsin were both spontaneous but driven by different forces. For pepsin, the binding was driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces; but for trypsin, it was driven by electrostatic forces and hydrophobic forces. The quenching mechanism between TF and pepsin and trypsin was investigated by fluorescence experiments and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Synchronous fluorescence and 3‐dimensional fluorescence were used to investigate the micro‐environmental and conformational changes of pepsin and trypsin after the insertion of TF. In addition, activity‐measurement results showed that both the pepsin and trypsin activities increased with increasing TF concentration, which may help to understand the possible effect of TF on the digestion and absorption of nutrients in vivo.     

Comparison of interactions between human serum albumin and silver nanoparticles of different sizes using spectroscopic methods

Three different sizes (15.9 ± 2.1 nm, 26.4 ± 3.2 nm and 39.8 ± 4.0 nm, respectively) of citrate‐coated silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have been synthesized and characterized. The interactions of the synthesized SNPs with human serum albumin (HSA) at physiological pH have been systematically studied by UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The results indicate that the SNPs can bind to HSA with high affinity and quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA. The binding constants and quenching rate constants were calculated. The apparent association constants (K_app) values are 2.14 × 10⁴ M^–1 for 15.9 nm SNP, 1.65 × 10⁴ M^–1 for 26.4 nm SNP and 1.37 × 10⁴ M^–1 for 39.8 nm SNP, respectively. The values of binding constant obtained from the fluorescence quenching data match well with that determined from the absorption spectral changes. These results suggest that the smaller SNPs have stronger interactions to HSA than the larger ones at the same concentrations. Synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence and CD spectroscopy studies show that the synthesized SNPs can induce slight conformational changes in HSA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Combined multispectroscopic and molecular docking investigation on the interaction between delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and bovine serum albumin

Anthocyanin is one of the flavonoid phytopigments with specific health benefits. The interaction between delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (D3G) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular modeling. D3G effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via static quenching. The number of binding sites and binding constant K_a were determined, and the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played major roles in stabilizing the D3G–BSA complex. The distance r between donor and acceptor was obtained as 2.81 nm according to Förster's theory. In addition, the effects of pH and metal ions on the binding constants were discussed. The results studied by synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence and circular dichroism experiments indicated that the secondary structures of the protein has been changed by the addition of D3G and the α‐helix content of BSA decreased (from 56.1% to 52.4%). Furthermore, the study of site marker competitive experiments and molecular modeling indicated that D3G could bind to site I of BSA, which was in the large hydrophobic cavity of subdomain IIA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation on the effect of fluorescence quenching of bovine serum albumin by cefoxitin sodium using fluorescence spectroscopy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy

The reaction mechanism of cefoxitin sodium with bovine serum albumin was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy at different temperatures. The results showed that the change of binding constant of the synchronous fluorescence method with increasing temperature could be used to estimate the types of quenching mechanisms of drugs with protein and was consistent with one of fluorescence quenching method. In addition, the number of binding sites, type of interaction force, cooperativity between drug and protein and energy‐transfer parameters of cefoxitin sodium and bovine serum albumin obtained from two methods using the same equation were consistent. Electrostatic force played a major role in the conjugation reaction between bovine serum albumin and cefoxitin sodium, and the type of quenching was static quenching. The primary binding site for cefoxitin sodium was sub‐hydrophobic domain IIA, and the number of binding sites was 1. The value of Hill's coefficients (n_H) was approximately equal to 1, which suggested no cooperativity in the bovine serum albumin–cefoxitin sodium system. The donor‐to‐acceptor distance r < 7 nm indicated that static fluorescence quenching of bovine serum albumin by cefoxitin sodium was also a non‐radiation energy‐transfer process. The results indicated that synchronous fluorescence spectrometry could be used to study the reaction mechanism between drug and protein, and was a useful supplement to the conventional method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Binding of fluphenazine with human serum albumin in the presence of rutin and quercetin: An evaluation of food‐drug interaction by spectroscopic techniques

The interactions between human serum albumin (HSA) and fluphenazine (FPZ) in the presence or absence of rutin or quercetin were studied by fluorescence, absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and molecular modeling. The results showed that the fluorescence quenching mechanism was static quenching by the formation of an HSA–FPZ complex. Entropy change (ΔS ⁰) and enthalpy change (ΔH ⁰) values were 68.42 J/(mol? K) and ?4.637 kJ/mol, respectively, which indicated that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds played major roles in the acting forces. The interaction process was spontaneous because the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG ⁰) values were negative. The results of competitive experiments demonstrated that FPZ was mainly located within HSA site I (sub‐domain IIA). Molecular docking results were in agreement with the experimental conclusions of the thermodynamic parameters and competition experiments. Competitive binding to HSA between flavonoids and FPZ decreased the association constants and increased the binding distances of FPZ binding to HSA. The results of absorption, synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence, and CD spectra showed that the binding of FPZ to HSA caused conformational changes in HSA and simultaneous effects of FPZ and flavonoids induced further HSA conformational changes.     

Recognition and interaction of CphA from Aeromonas hydrophila with imipenem and biapenem by spectroscopic analysis in combination with molecular docking

The molecular recognition and interaction of CphA from Aeromonas hydrophila with imipenem (Imip) and biapenem (Biap) were studied by means of the combined use of fluorescence spectra and molecular docking. The results showed that both the fluorescence quenching of CphA by Imip and Biap were caused through the combined dynamic and static quenching, and the latter was dominating in the process; the microenvironment and conformational of CphA were altered upon the addition of Imip and Biap from synchronous and three‐dimensional fluorescence. The binding of CphA with Imip or Biap caused a conformational change in the loop of CphA, and through the conformational change, the loop opened the binding pocket of CphA to allow for an induced fit of the newly introduced ligand. In the binding of CphA with Imip, the whole molecule entered into the active pocket of CphA. The binding was driven by enthalpy change, and the binding force between them was mainly hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals force; whereas in the binding of CphA with Biap, only the beta‐lactam ring of Biap entered into the binding pocket of CphA while the side chain was located outside the active pocket. The binding was driven by the enthalpy change and entropy change together, and the binding force between them was mainly electrostatic interaction. This study provided an insight into the recognition and binding of CphA with antibiotics, which may be helpful for designing new substrate for beta‐lactamase and developing new antibiotics resistant to superbugs.     

Spectroscopic and molecular docking study on the structure–affinity relationship and mechanism in the interaction of genistein and its derivatives with bovine serum albumin

In this paper, the interaction of genistein (GEN) and its four derivatives (GEN1–4) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra, fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular docking techniques. The experimental results showed that the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by genisteins and was due to the formation of a genisteins–BSA complex. The quenching constant, binding constants, binding sites, intermolecular distances and thermodynamic properties were calculated at 298 K, 306 K and 310 K. Site marker competitive experiments indicated that the binding site of genisteins to BSA was mainly located in subdomain IIA. The conformational investigation showed that the presence of 0020 genisteins led to changes in the secondary structure of BSA and induced the slight unfolding of protein polypeptides, which confirmed some micro‐environmental and conformational changes of BSA molecules. Furthermore, the binding affinity decreased in the order GEN1 > GEN > GEN4 > GEN3 > GEN2, which revealed that different type and position of substituents of genistein significantly influenced the affinity of compounds to BSA. The number of hydroxyl groups on the ring A was the most important factor because increasing the hydroxyl groups on ring A clearly enhanced the binding affinity. However, trifluoromethylation did not much affect the affinity, alkylation, esterification and difluoromethylation slightly enhanced the binding affinity. The results obtained herein will provide valuable information about the pharmacokinetics at a molecular level and be a useful guideline for the further design of much more suitable genistein derivatives.     

Comparative studies on the interaction of cefixime with bovine serum albumin by fluorescence quenching spectroscopy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy

Under simulated physiological conditions, the reaction mechanism between cefixime and bovine serum albumin at different temperatures (293, 303 and 310 K) was investigated using a fluorescence quenching method and synchronous fluorescence method, respectively. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity and synchronous fluorescence intensity of bovine serum albumin decreased regularly on the addition of cefixime. In addition, the quenching mechanism, binding constants, number of binding sites, type of interaction force and energy‐transfer parameters of cefixime with bovine serum albumin obtained from two methods using the same equation were consistent. The results indicated that the synchronous fluorescence spectrometry could be used to study the binding mechanism between drug and protein, and was a useful supplement to the conventional method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies of the interaction between morin and polyamidoamine dendrimer

Interactions between the polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer and drug molecules are of interest for their potential biomedical applications. The goal of this work is to examine the interaction of PAMAM‐C₁₂ 25% dendrimer with morin. The ultraviolet–visible, fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling were used to analyze drug‐binding mode, binding constants and binding sites, etc. The experimental data showed that the binding constant of morin‐PAMAM‐C₁₂ 25% is about 10⁵ L/mol. The interaction of morin with PAMAM‐C₁₂ 25% is mainly driven by the hydrophobic, electrostatic, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. There are mainly three classes of binding site of morin at the interface of PAMAM‐C₁₂ 25%. These results provided some useful information for self‐assembling and disassembling the PAMAM dendrimer as well as efficient drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.