Development of liposomes loaded with chloroaluminum phthalocyanine for application of photodynamic therapy in breast cancer.

Chloraluminium phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) has potential therapeutic effect for the treatment of cancer; however, the molecule is lipophilic and may present self-aggregation which limits its clinical success. Thus, nanocarriers like liposomes can improve ClAlPc solubility, reduce off-site toxicity and increase circulation time. For this purpose, developing suitable liposomes requires the evaluation of different lipid compositions. Herein, we aimed to develop liposomes containing soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero- 3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPEPEG2000), cholesterol and oleic acid loaded with ClAlPc using the surface response methodology and the Box-Behnken design. Liposomes with particle size from 110.93 to 374.97 nm and PdI from 0.265 to 0.468 were obtained. The optimized formulation resulted in 69.09% of ClAlPc encapsulated, with particle size and polydispersity index, respectively, at 153.20 nm and 0.309, providing stability and aggregation control. Atomic force microscopy revealed vesicles in a spherical or almost spherical shape, while the analyzes by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested that the drug was adequately incorporated into the lipid bilayer of liposomes, in its amorphous state or molecularly dispersed. In vitro studies conducted in breast cancer cells (4T1) showed that liposome improved phototoxicity compared to the ClAlPc solution. ClAlPc-loaded liposomes also enhanced the production of ROS 3-fold compared to the ClAlPc solution. Finally, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry demonstrated the ability of the liposomes to enter cells and deliver the fluorescent ClAlPc photosensitizer with dose and time-dependent effects. Thus, this work showed that Box-Behnken factorial design was an effective strategy for optimizing formulation development. The obtained ClAlPc liposomes can be applied for photodynamic therapy in breast cancer cells.

A Metformin-Ferulic Acid Salt with Improved Biopharmaceutical Parameters.

Though ferulic acid presents great hypoglycemic potential, it possesses limited aqueous solubility, and low oral bioavailability. When associated with metformin, the first-choice drug in Type 2 diabetes treatment, FA demonstrates synergistic hypoglycemic effects, however, it also causes certain undesirable dose-related effects. This study aimed to develop a new ferulic acid - metformin multicomponent system, and incorporate it into a solid dosage form with improved biopharmaceutical parameters. A novel metformin: ferulate (1:1) salt (MFS) was produced, which was properly characterized using differing analytical techniques, including single crystal analysis. Also during the course of the study, a new polymorph of the metformin free base was observed. The MFS was obtained using solvent evaporation methods, which achieved high yields in reproducible process, as well as a 740-fold increase in ferulic acid aqueous solubility. The MFS tablets developed met quality control requirements for this dosage form, as well as revealing excellent performance in vitro dissolution tests, presenting dissolution efficiency values of 95.4 ± 0.5%. Additionally, physicochemical instability was not observed in a study at 40 °C for 3 months for both MFS powder and its tablet form. The MFS product developed is a promising candidate for further Type 2 diabetes clinical study.

Anti-inflammatory kaurane diterpenoids of Erythroxylum bezerrae.

Five unusual kaurane diterpenes, designated as bezerraditerpenes A-E (1-5), along with six known ones (6-11), were isolated from the hexane extract of the stems of Erythroxylum bezerrae. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of the NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The anti-inflammatory potential of the diterpenes 1-11 was screened through cellular viability and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production on murine macrophage-like cells RAW 264.7. Diterpene 6 (cauren-6ß-ol) showed potent cytotoxicity and increased ability to inhibit NO production. Diterpenes 1 (bezerraditerpene A), 2 (bezerraditerpene B), and 8 (ent-kaur-16-ene-3ß,15ß-diol) exhibited the same significant anti-inflammatory activity with NO CI50 inhibition (3.21-3.76 µM) without cytotoxicity, in addition to decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Withanolides of Athenaea velutina with potential inhibitory properties against SARS coronavirus main protease (mpro): molecular modeling studies.

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic began, the scientific community has dedicated efforts to finding effective antiviral drugs to treat or minimize the effects caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Some targets can act as inhibitor substrates, highlighting the Main Protease (Mpro), which plays an essential role in the translation and transcription of the virus cycle. Withanolides, a class of natural C28 steroidal lactones, are compounds of interest as possible inhibitors of Mpro and other critical targets of the virus, such as papain-like protease. In this study, the isolation of a new withanolide (1), along with the known 27-deoxywithaferin A (2) and 27-deoxy-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (3), from the leaves of Athenaea velutina (Solanaceae) is described. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods (NMR, IR, HRESIMS). Moreover, the interaction and the stability of withanolides 1-3 and withanolide D (4), previously isolated of Acnistus arborescens, against the Mpro target through molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and binding free energy simulations were analyzed. The molecular dynamics results indicated that the complexes formed by the molecular docking simulations between the Mpro target with each of the withanolides 1-4 exhibited good stability during the simulations due to a slight change in the structure of complexes. The binding free energy results suggested that withanolide (1) can be a natural candidate against COVID-19 disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anti-inflammatory withajardins from the leaves of Athenaea velutina.

Withajardins, uncommon modified withanolide-type steroids, have been isolated exclusively from plants of the Solanaceae family so far. Two undescribed withajardins and the known tuboanosigenin were isolated from the hexane/EtOAc 1:1 extract from Athenaea velutina leaves. Their structures were established by an extensive analysis of 1D and 2D-NMR and HRMS data. The absolute configuration was determined by X-ray diffraction (withajardin L and tuboanosigenin) and circular dichroism (CD) analyses (withajardin M). The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds was evaluated through the inhibition of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 release in RAW264.7 cells. The cell viability effects to RAW 264.7 cells showed IC50 values of 74.4-354.4 µM. The compounds attenuated LPS-induced release of NO and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells.

Vibrational and conformational analysis of structural phase transition in Estradiol 17ß valerate with temperature.

Estradiol 17ß valerate (E2V) is a hormonal medicine widely used in hormone replacement therapy. E2V undergoes a reversible isosymmetric structural phase transition at low temperature (Ì´ 250 K) which results from the reorientation of the valerate chain. The reversible isosymmetric structural phase transition follows Ehrenfest's classification when described as first-order and Buerger's classification when classified as order-disorder. The conformational difference also induces changes in molecular torsional angles and on the hydrogen bond pattern. In combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, vibrational spectroscopy has been used to correlate the valerate chain modes with the modifications of the dihedral angles on phase transition. We are expecting improvement in our understanding of the phase transition mechanism driven by the temperature. The Conformational analysis reveals the feasible structures corresponding to changes in the dihedral angles associated with the valerate chain. The infrared spectra of calculated conformers are in good agreement with the experimental spectra of E2V structure recorded at room temperature revealing that the changes in valerate chain modes at 1115 cm-1, 1200 cm-1and 1415 cm-1 fingerprint the molecular conformation. An investigation made to determine the ligand-protein interaction of E2V through docking against estrogen receptor (ER) reveals the inhibitive and agonist nature of E2V.

Molecular structure and quantum descriptors of cefradine by using vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), NBO, AIM, chemical reactivity and molecular docking.

This study aims to investigate the structural and vibrational features of cefradine (the first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic) based on spectroscopic experiments and theoretical quantum chemical approach. The fundamental structural aspects of cefradine have been examined based on optimized geometry, spectroscopic behavior, intermolecular interaction, chemical reactivity, intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and molecular docking analysis. The most stable minimum energy conformer of the title molecule was identified by performing a one-dimensional potential energy surface scan along the rotational bonds at B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) level of theory. The vibrational features of the molecule and information about the coupled modes were predicted. The chemical reactivity and stability of all the possible conformers of cefradine were estimated based on the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and NBO approach. The overall picture of accumulation of charges on individual atoms of the molecule was predicted by molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface map which in turn identifies the nucleophilic and electrophilic region or sites. The quantitative analysis of electrophilicity and nucleophilicity indices was done by Hirshfeld charge analysis and it was found that N8 atom is the most prominent site for nucleophilic attack while C14 atom is feasible for electrophilic attack. QTAIM study has also been performed to investigate the nature and strength of hydrogen bonding interactions. Besides, molecular docking studies were performed to examine the active binding residues of the target.

A giant hybrid organic-inorganic octahedron from a narrow rim carboxylate calixarene.

Here we discovered an unprecedented giant octahedral coordination compound bearing 16 Zn2+, 12 Na+, 8 O2-, 4 OH-, 13 H2O and 6 L4- ligands [L4- = fully deprotonated tetra(carboxymethoxy)calix[4]arene]. Its structure was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This compound, Zn8Na6L6⊃Zn8Na6O8(OH)4(H2O)13 (external⊃internal), has eight tetrahedral zinc ions forming the coordination vertices of an outermost cube where carboxylate groups from the sodium calixarenes are anchored. Its core consists of eight Zn2+, six Na+, eight O2-, and four OH- distributed over three layers, besides thirteen coordinated H2O molecules.

Tropane alkaloids from the stem bark of Erythroxylum bezerrae.

Six previously undescribed tropane alkaloids, designated as erythrobezerrines A-F, were isolated from the EtOH extract from the stem bark of Erythroxylum bezerrae Plowman. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of the NMR and MS data and in some instances, confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against the cancer cell lines L929, PC-3, HCT-116, SNB-19 and NCI-H460, but only erythrobezerrine C showed moderate activity with IC50 values of 3.38 and 5.43 µM for HCT-116 and NCI-H460, respectively.

Compositional and microhardness findings in tooth affected by X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR)-related compositional and microhardness tooth aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One affected and one non-affected teeth by XLHR were sectioned transversely, and each section was separated for Micro-Raman spectroscopy, Knoop microhardness and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). The outcomes of these analyses were assessed. RESULTS: Outcomes of Raman analysis of inorganic/organic components (~958/~1250+~1450 cm-1) and carbonate/phosphate (~1070/~958 cm-1) ratios showed areas of altered enamel and dentin (interglobular dentin, calcospherites, and mantle dentin) with an increase of inorganic content in the rickets tooth. Microhardness reduction was observed in the affected tooth, with a more evident drop in regions of mantle dentin, interglobular dentin, and calcospherites. SEM-EDS analysis showed demonstrated the absence of calcium and phosphorus in interglobular spaces. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, compositional and structural deficiencies were observed in deciduous tooth affected by XLHR. Also, it was observed the absence of hydroxyapatite in the interglobular dentin by using Raman spectroscopy analysis. Key words:Dentin, dentin permeability, X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, tooth, tooth calcification, Raman spectroscopy.

An unusual bidentate methionine ruthenium(II) complex: photo-uncaging and antimicrobial activity.

The cis-[Ru(bpy)2(Met)](PF6)2 complex, where Met = L-methionine and bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, was prepared and fully characterized. This complex was subjected to blue and green light photolysis (453 and 505 nm, respectively) in aqueous solution, leading to the release of methionine and formation of the cis-[Ru(bpy)2(H2O)2]2+ ion. This latter photoproduct was shown to subsequently interact with DNA, while DNA photocleavage was noticed. In agreement with these reactivities, this compound exhibited an exciting antibacterial action, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was enhanced upon blue light irradiation. Altogether, these results showed that our strategy was successful in producing light-triggered DNA-binding agents with pharmacological potential and a likely blocking reagent for efficient peptide chemistry formation.

Stability of Ceftazidime Pentahydrate Investigated by Thermal Analysis Techniques.

Cephalosporins are among the most frequently used broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Ceftazidime is a semisynthetic ß-lactam antibiotic for parenteral administration widely used in the clinical practice, which has been categorized as a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. This drug crystallizes as a pentahydrate and, as all cephalosporins, it is unstable and subject to hydrolytic degradation. Taking this into account, this study investigates the stability under 2 different conditions (high temperature and exposition to vacuum) by using various techniques, as thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction supported by multivariate curve resolution. It was proved that ceftazidime pentahydrate is unstable under the studied variables, exhibiting several transformation processes, which were discussed in terms of the crystalline structure.

4-Hydroxy-pyran-2-one and 3-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-oxindole derivatives of Salinispora arenicola from Brazilian marine sediments.

Three new 3-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-oxindole (1 and 2) and 4-hydroxy-pyran-2-one (3) derivatives, along with the known 3-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-oxindole (4) and 6-methoxy-N-methylisatin (5) were isolated from a marine Salinispora arenicola strain from sediments of the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago, Brazil. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESIMS) data, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 2 and 3. Compounds 1 to 5 were assayed for their antimicrobial properties, but only 4 and 5 were active against Enterococcus faecalis with MIC value of 15.6 µg/mL.

Antibacterial Salinaphthoquinones from a Strain of the Bacterium Salinispora arenicola Recovered from the Marine Sediments of St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago, Brazil.

Salinaphthoquinones A-E (1-5) were isolated from a marine Salininispora arenicola strain, recovered from sediments of the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago, Brazil. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic (NMR, IR, HRESIMS) data, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1-5 is proposed. Compounds 1 to 4 displayed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis with MIC values of 125 to 16 µg/mL.

The design of novel metronidazole benzoate structures: exploring stoichiometric diversity.

The use of supramolecular synthons as a strategy to control crystalline structure is a crucial factor in developing new solid forms with physicochemical properties optimized by design. However, to achieve this objective, it is necessary to understand the intermolecular interactions in the context of crystal packing. The feasibility of a given synthon depends on its flexibility to combine the drug with a variety of coformers. In the present work, the imidazole-hydroxy synthon is investigated using as the target molecule benzoylmetronidazole [BZMD; systematic name 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl benzoate], whose imidazole group seems to be a suitable acceptor for hydrogen bonds. Thus, coformers with carboxylic acid and phenol groups were chosen. According to the availability of binding sites presented in the coformer, and considering the proposed synthon and hydrogen-bond complementarity as major factors, different drug-coformer stoichiometric ratios were explored (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1). Thirteen new solid forms (two salts and eleven cocrystals) were produced, namely BZMD-benzoic acid (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C7H6O2, BZMD-ß-naphthol (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C10H8O, BZMD-4-methoxybenzoic acid (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C8H8O3, BZMD-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C7H4N2O6, BZMD-3-aminobenzoic acid (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C7H7NO2, BZMD-salicylic acid (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C7H6O3, BZMD-maleic acid (1/1) {as the salt 1-[2-(benzoyloxy)ethyl]-2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-3-ium 3-carboxyprop-2-enoate}, C13H14N3O4+·C4H3O4-, BZMD-isophthalic acid (1/1), C13H13N3O4·C8H6O4, BZMD-resorcinol (2/1), 2C13H13N3O4·C6H6O2, BZMD-fumaric acid (2/1), C13H13N3O4·0.5C4H4O4, BZMD-malonic acid (2/1), 2C13H13N3O4·C3H2O4, BZMD-2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (1/1) {as the salt 1-[2-(benzoyloxy)ethyl]-2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-3-ium 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate}, C13H14N3O4+·C7H5O4-, and BZMD-3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3/1), 3C13H13N3O4·C7H6O4, and their crystalline structures elucidated, confirming the robustness of the selected synthon.

Mechanochemically induced solid state transformations: The case of raloxifene hydrochloride.

Raloxifene hydrochloride is a benzothiophene derivative mainly used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, but exhibits a low bioavailability hindered by its poor water solubility. In this study, a mechanochemical approach based on neat and liquid-assisted grinding was applied to produce new solid forms of raloxifene hydrochloride. The solids obtained were characterized by several solid-state techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. These results showed that depending on the processing conditions solvated or amorphous forms can be produced. The thermal stability of the new forms was also investigated showing that the new forms convert back into the raw material form, as observed by Raman spectroscopy, which was successfully used to discriminate amorphous and crystalline forms, as well as, to monitor in situ the recrystallization process. Furthermore, the solubility of the new forms was evaluated, showing the clear advantage of the amorphous form, when compared with the currently marketed salt.

Novel polymorphs of the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drug benznidazole.

Benznidazole (N-benzyl-2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)acetamide), is a nitro-heterocyclic drug used in the treatment of Chagas disease. Despite the fact that this drug was released more than 30 years ago, little information about its solid state properties is available in the literature. In this study, it was verified that this drug exhibits three polymorphs, which were characterized in situ by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, hot stage microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The thermodynamic relationships among these polymorphs were also discussed.

Study of molecular structure, vibrational, electronic and NMR spectra of oncocalyxone A using DFT and quantum chemical calculations.

Oncocalyxone A (C17H18O5) is the major secondary metabolite isolated from ethanol extract from the heartwood of Auxemma oncocalyx Taub popularly known as "pau branco". Oncocalyxone A (Onco A) has many pharmaceutical uses such as: antitumor, analgesic, antioxidant and causative of inhibition of platelet activation. We have performed the optimized geometry, total energy, conformational study, molecular electrostatic potential mapping, frontier orbital energy gap and vibrational frequencies of Onco A employing ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugative interactions and/or charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. UV-vis spectrum of the compound was recorded in DMSO and MeOH solvent. The TD-DFT calculations have been performed to explore the influence of electronic absorption spectra in the gas phase, as well as in solution environment using IEF-PCM and 6-31G basis set. The (13)C NMR chemical shifts have been calculated with the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set and compared with the experimental values. These methods have been used as tools for structural characterization of Onco A.

Producing xylan/Eudragit® S100-based microparticles by chemical and physico-mechanical approaches as carriers for 5-aminosalicylic acid.

Xylan is a biopolymer found in a variety of cell wall plants. Eudragit® S-100 (ES100), a pH-dependent polymer, is used as a coating material in gastroresistant delivery systems. In this study, microparticles based on both polymers were produced by interfacial cross-linking polymerisation and/or spray-drying technique in order to investigate feasibility and stability of the systems. Size and morphology of the microparticles were characterised by optical and SEM while FT-IR, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) evaluated the drug-polymer interactions and the thermal behaviour of the systems. FT-IR confirmed the absence of chemical interaction between the polymers. TG/DTA analysis showed a higher stability for spray-dried microparticles and XRD data proved the amorphous feature of both carriers. The results reveal that xylan/ES100 microparticles can be produced by chemical or physico-mechanical ways, the latter being the best option due to the lack of toxic cross-linking agents and easy scale-up.