Quantum chemical exploration of the intramolecular hydrogen bond interaction in 2-thiazol-2-yl-phenol and 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-phenol in the context of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer: a focus on the covalency in hydrogen bond.

The present work demonstrates a computational exploration of the intramolecular H-bond (IMHB) interaction in two model heterocyclic compounds - 2-thiazol-2-yl-phenol (2T2YP) and 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-phenol (2B2YP) by meticulous application of various quantum chemical tools. Major emphasis is rendered on the analysis of IMHB interaction by calculation of electron density ρ(r) and Laplacian ∇(2)ρ(r) at the bond critical point using the Atoms-In-Molecule methodology. Topological features based on ρ(r) suggest that at equilibrium geometry the IMHB interaction develops certain characteristics typical of a covalent interaction. The interplay between aromaticity and Resonance-Assisted H-Bond (RAHB) has also been discussed using both geometrical and magnetic criteria. The occurrence of IMHB interaction in 2T2YP and 2B2YP has also been criticized under the provision of the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. The ESIPT phenomenon in the molecular systems is also critically addressed on the lexicon of potential energy surface (PES) analysis.

Deciphering the interaction of a model transport protein with a prototypical imidazolium room temperature ionic liquid: effect on the conformation and activity of the protein.

The present contribution reports the interaction of a prototypical surface-active room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) viz., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) with a globular transport protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). The BSA-RTIL binding isotherm constructed from conductometric measurements is found to be well reproduced from fluorescence spectroscopy and thus revealing the various interaction zones as a function of the RTIL concentration. The present work delivers particular emphasis to delineate the denaturing action of RTIL on the native protein and in complementarity the effect of RTIL binding on functionality of BSA is explored in terms of esterase-like activity of BSA. The intrinsic time-resolved fluorescence decay and rotational-relaxation dynamics of the protein suggests swelling of the protein rather than aggregation during RTIL-induced denaturation. The result of molecular modeling based on blind docking simulation is found to abet the inferences drawn from experimental results reasonably well. The molecular modeling technique reveals the favorable binding location of the RTIL to be in the hydrophobic domain IIIA (drug site 2) of BSA. The thermodynamic parameters evaluated for the RTIL-BSA binding phenomenon also identifies the pivotal role of hydrophobic force in the interaction.

Interaction of a potential chloride channel blocker with a model transport protein: a spectroscopic and molecular docking investigation.

The present work demonstrates a detailed characterization of the interaction of a potential chloride channel blocker, 9-methyl anthroate (9-MA), with a model transport protein, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The modulated photophysical properties of the emissive drug molecule within the microheterogeneous bio-environment of the protein have been exploited spectroscopically to monitor the probe-protein binding interaction. Apart from evaluating the binding constant, the probable location of the neutral molecule within the protein cavity (subdomain IB) is explored by an AutoDock-based blind docking simulation. The absence of the Red-Edge Effect has been corroborated by the enhanced lifetime of the probe, being substantially greater than the solvent reorientation time. A dip-and-rise characteristic of the rotational relaxation profile of the drug within the protein has been argued to originate from a significant difference in the lifetime as well as amplitude of the free and protein-bound drug molecule. Unfolding of the protein in the presence of the drug molecule has been probed by the decrease of the α-helical content, obtained via circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, which is also supported by the gradual loss of the esterase activity of the protein in the presence of the drug molecule.

Selective fluorescence sensing of Cu(II) and Zn(II) using a new Schiff base-derived model compound: naked eye detection and spectral deciphering of the mechanism of sensory action.

A new Schiff base compound 2-((benzylimino)-methyl)-naphthalen-1-ol (2BIMN1O) has been synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT, FT-IR and mass spectroscopic techniques. The significantly low fluorescence yield of the compound has been rationalized in connection with photo-induced electron transfer (PET) from the imine receptor moiety to the naphthalene fluorophore unit. Subsequently, an evaluation of the transition metal ion-induced modification of the fluorophore-receptor communication reveals a promising prospect for the title compound to function as a fluorosensor for Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) ions selectively, through remarkable fluorescence enhancement. While perturbation of the PET process in 2BIMN1O has been argued to be the responsible mechanism behind the fluorescence enhancement, the selectivity for these two metal ions has been interpreted on the grounds of an appreciably strong binding interaction. Particularly notable aspects regarding the chemosensory activity of the compound are its ability to detect the aforesaid transition metal ions down to the level of micromolar concentration (detection limit being 0.82 and 0.35 µM respectively), along with a simple and efficient synthetic procedure. Also the spectral modulation of 2BIMN1O in the presence of the transition metal ions paves the way for the construction of a calibration curve in the context of its fluorescence signaling potential.

Looking at the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) chromophore from a different perspective: a computational insight.

In the present contribution Density Functional Theory (DFT) has been applied to explore molecular dipole moment, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) features, chemical hardness, and the molecular electrostatic potential surface (MEPS) characteristics for optimized molecular geometry of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) chromophore p-hydroxybenzylideneimidazolinone (HBDI) both in its protonated (neutral) and deprotonated (anion) forms. The distribution of atomic charges over the entire molecular framework as obtained from Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis is found to faithfully replicate the predictions from the MEP map in respect of reactivity map of HBDI (neutral and anion) and possible sites for hydrogen bonding interactions etc. The three dimensional MEP map encompassing the entire molecule yields a reliable reactivity map of HBDI molecule also displaying the most probable regions for non-covalent interactions. The differential distribution of the electrostatic potential over the neutral and anionic species of HBDI is authentically reflected on MEP map and NBO charge distribution analysis. Thermodynamic properties such as heat capacity, thermal energy, enthalpy, entropy have been calculated and the correlation of the various thermodynamic functions with temperature has been established for neutral molecule. More importantly, however, the computational approach has been employed to unveil the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of protonated (neutral) and deprotonated (anion) HBDI. Also in an endeavor to achieve a fuller understanding on this aspect the effect of basis set on the NLO properties of the title molecule has been investigated. Our computations delineate the discernible differences in NLO properties between the neutral and anionic species of HBDI whereby indicating the possibility of development of photoswitchable NLO device.

Unraveling the binding interaction and kinetics of a prospective anti-HIV drug with a model transport protein: results and challenges.

The present contribution reports a detailed characterization of the binding interaction of a potential anticancer, anti-HIV drug 1-phenylisatin (1-PI) with a model transport protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) using fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The thermodynamic parameters e.g., ΔH, ΔS and ΔG for the binding phenomenon have been evaluated on the basis of the van't Hoff equation to reveal that the binding process is principally driven by ionic interactions mediated by charge transfer interaction. This line of argument has been substantiated by frontier molecular orbital analysis of 1-PI. However, the drug-induced quenching of the intrinsic tryptophanyl fluorescence of the protein is found not to abide by a linear Stern-Volmer regression (displaying an upward curvature) when an extensive time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic characterization of the quenching process has been undertaken to unveil the actuating quenching mechanism. Based on the constancy of the fluorescence lifetime of the protein as a function of drug concentration the observed quenching is inferred to proceed through a static mechanism between the quenching partners. Constant wavelength synchronous fluorescence, excitation-emission matrix fluorescence and circular dichroic (CD) spectroscopic techniques have been exploited to unravel the tertiary and secondary conformational changes in the protein (BSA) induced by drug (1-PI)-binding. The probable binding location of the drug molecule within the protein cavity (hydrophilic subdomain I) has been explored by AutoDock-based blind docking simulation and the inference is further substantiated by site-competitive replacement experiments with specific site-markers. Light is also cast on the drug-protein binding kinetics using the stopped-flow fluorescence technique which reveals an association rate constant of k(a) (± 5%) = 1.471 × 10(-3) s(-1) for the interaction of 1-PI with BSA.

A spectroscopic investigation on the interaction of a magnetic ferrofluid with a model plasma protein: effect on the conformation and activity of the protein.

The understanding of the interaction of nanomaterials with relevant biological targets e.g., proteins is of paramount importance in biological and pharmaceutical fields of research. In a biological fluid, proteins can associate with nanomaterials which can subsequently exert a significant impact on the conformation and functionality of the protein. Here we report the binding interaction of a model plasma protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with a magnetic nanoparticle of mixed spinel origin (Ni(0.5)Zn(0.5)Fe(2)O(4), abbreviated as NZFO from now and onwards). The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) for the protein-nanoparticle binding interaction have been evaluated from the van't Hoff equation to unveil that the binding interaction is enthalpically as well as entropically driven (ΔH < 0 and ΔS > 0), with an overall favorable Gibbs free energy change (ΔG < 0). Also the thermodynamic parameters delineate the predominant role of electrostatic interaction in the BSA-NZFO binding process. The results of temperature dependent fluorescence quenching and time-resolved fluorescence decay measurements indicate a static quenching mechanism in the present case. Steady-state absorption, synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic techniques have been employed to unveil the conformational changes in BSA induced by the binding of NZFO. Disruption of the native conformation of the protein upon binding with NZFO is reflected through a reduced functionality (in terms of esterase activity) of the protein-NZFO conjugate system in comparison to the native protein. Based on the experimental findings the probable binding location of NZFO is argued to be the hydrophilic domain IB. This seems physically realizable since domain I of BSA is characterized by a net negative charge and hence can serve as a favorable binding site for NZFO carrying a positive surface charge. The key role of electrostatic forces in the BSA-NZFO interaction process is further substantiated from chemical denaturation study and measurement of the effect of ionic strength on the interaction process.

Effect of biological confinement on the photophysics and dynamics of a proton-transfer phototautomer: an exploration of excitation and emission wavelength-dependent photophysics of the protein-bound drug.

The present work demonstrates the effect of biological confinement on the photophysics and dynamics of a bio-active drug molecule viz., 5-chlorosalicylic acid (5ClSA). 5ClSA is a potential candidate exhibiting Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) reaction and thereby generating the phototautomer (i.e. proton transferred keto form) in the excited state. Given the pK(a) of 5ClSA (around 2.64), the anionic form of the drug molecule is expected to be the interacting species with the protein under the experimental conditions (buffered solution of pH 7.40). The ESIPT photophysics of the drug (5ClSA anion) is found to be remarkably modified within the confined bio-environment of a model transport protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in terms of remarkable emission intensity enhancement coupled with a discernible red-shift of the emission maximum wavelength. Such considerable modification of the ESIPT photophysics of the 5ClSA anion has been exploited to determine the drug-protein binding strength (as characterized by the binding constant K (±10%) = 6.11 × 10(2) M(-1)). The present work also delves into evaluation of the probable binding location of the drug within the biomacromolecular assembly of the protein by a blind docking simulation technique, which reveals hydrophobic subdomain IIA to be the probable binding site of the drug. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy delineates the effect of drug binding on the protein secondary structure in terms of decrease of α-helical content of BSA with increasing drug concentration. Apart from this, the excitation-emission matrix fluorescence technique is found to hint at the effect on protein tertiary structure upon binding to the drug. Chaotrope-induced protein denaturation has been explored to complement the findings on the binding interaction process. The modulated dynamics of the proton transfer phototautomer of the 5ClSA anion within the biological confinement is also investigated in this context to explore the slower rate of solvent-relaxation dynamics.

Binding interaction and rotational-relaxation dynamics of a cancer cell photosensitizer with various micellar assemblies.

The present work demonstrates the photophysical characterization of the interaction of a promising cancer cell photosensitizer, harmane (HM), with biomimetic micellar nanocavities having varying surface charge characteristics. The polarity-sensitive prototropic transformation of HM is remarkably modified upon interaction with the macromolecular assemblies of micellar systems and is manifested through significant modulations on the absorption and emission profiles of HM. The ground- and excited-states prototropic equilibria of HM are found to be differentially modulated in various micellar assemblies. Out of various possibilities to assess the drug (HM)-micelle interaction mechanism, the postulate of varying extent of drug penetration into micellar units depending on the compactness of their headgroup arrangements is found to suitably rationalize and correlate different experimental findings, including the differences in binding constant (K) and free energy change (ΔG) of the interaction process. The micropolarity measurement has been exploited to evaluate the probable binding location of the drug which reveals that the cationic drug molecule does not penetrate deep into the micellar core region and the results are further substantiated from fluorescence quenching experiments. The work also pays proper attention to delineate the modulation in dynamical behaviors of the drug following interaction with the micellar systems. Wavelength-sensitive fluorescence parameters reveal the slower rate of solvent-relaxation around the excited probe within the micelle-encapsulated microheterogeneous environments. The enhancement of fluorescence anisotropy and rotational relaxation time of the drug in micellar environments from that in pure aqueous buffer suggests entrapment of the drug in motionally constrained regions introduced by the micelles.

Response of an environment-sensitive intramolecular charge transfer probe towards solubilization of liposome membranes by a non-ionic detergent: association and dissociation kinetics.

The present report describes an endeavor to follow the solubilization of DMPC and DMPG liposome membranes by a non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 on the lexicon of environment-sensitive intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) photophysics of an extrinsic molecular probe 5-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-penta-2, 4-dienoic acid methyl ester (DPDAME). The prospective applicability of the probe to function as a reporter for detergent-sequestered solubilization of liposome membranes is argued on the basis of comparison of the spectral properties of the probe in various environments. Fluorescence anisotropy study delineates the degree of motional restriction imposed on the probe in different microheterogeneous assemblies. The kinetics of association of the probe with the liposome membranes and the dissociation kinetics of TX-100-sequestered solubilization process of the liposomes have been monitored by the stopped-flow fluorescence technique and the results are rationalized in relevance to fluorescence anisotropy study.

Photophysics of DNA staining dye Propidium Iodide encapsulated in bio-mimetic micelle and genomic fish sperm DNA.

Photophysical processes in Propidium Iodide (PI), the well known DNA staining dye, have been exploited in homogeneous as well as heterogeneous medium by steady state and time resolved spectroscopy. The DNA staining dye PI exhibits intermolecular proton transfer reaction in aqueous and hydrogen-bonding acceptor solvents due to the formation of quinonoid structure which is acidic in nature. Time resolved emission spectroscopy also predicts the hydrogen bond donor ability of PI. The target dye interacts only with anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulphate but not with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and neutral surfactant Triton X-100 and this interaction is found to be electrostatic in nature. We have further scrutinized the mode of binding of PI with fish sperm DNA. The effect of addition of urea, fluorescence quenching phenomenon, CD measurements reveal that the probe binds to DNA through intercalative style.

Effect of PVA on the gel temperature of MC and release kinetics of KT from MC based ophthalmic formulations.

The effect of molecular weight of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and sodium chloride on the gelation temperature of methylcellulose (MC) was studied with the objective to develop a MC based formulation for sustained delivery of ketorolac tromethamine a model ophthalmic drug. Pure MC showed sol-gel transition at 61.2 °C. In order to reduce the gelation temperature of MC and to increase the drug release time, PVA was used. Different techniques such as test tube tilting method, UV-vis spectroscopy, viscometry and rheometry were used to measure gelation temperature of all the binary combinations of MC and PVA. It was observed that the gelation temperature of MC was reduced with the addition of 4% PVA and also the extent of reduction of the gelation temperature of MC was dependent on the molecular weight of PVA. The strong interactions between MC and PVA molecules were established using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. To study the in vitro drug release properties of the MC-PVA binary combinations, 6% sodium chloride was used to reduce the gelation temperature further up to physiological temperature. It was observed that the drug release time increased from 5 to 8h with the increase of molecular weight of PVA from 9×10(3) to 1.3×10(5) and this was due to the higher viscosity, better gel strength and greater interactions between the drug and PVA molecules in case of PVA (1.3×10(5)) compared to PVA (9×10(3)). In order to have an idea about the nature of interactions between the functional moieties of the drug and the polymer unit of PVA, a theoretical study was carried out.

Spectral deciphering of the interaction between an intramolecular hydrogen bonded ESIPT drug, 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid, and a model transport protein.

The present work demonstrates a detailed characterization of the interaction of a bio-active drug molecule 3,5-dichlorosalicyclic acid (3,5DCSA) with a model transport protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The drug molecule is a potential candidate exhibiting Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) reaction and the modulation of ESIPT photophysics within the bio-environment of the protein has been exploited spectroscopically to monitor the drug-protein binding interaction. Apart from evaluating the binding constant (K (±10%) = 394 M(-1)) the probable location of the neutral drug molecule within the protein cavity (hydrophobic subdomain IIA) is explored by AutoDock-based blind docking simulation. The rotational relaxation dynamics of the drug within the protein has been interpreted on the lexicon of the two-step and wobbling-in-cone model. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy delineates the effect of drug binding on the protein secondary structure in terms of decrease of α-helical content of BSA with increasing drug concentration. Also the esterase activity of the drug:protein conjugate system is found to be reduced in comparison to the native protein.

Differential interactions of a biological photosensitizer with liposome membranes having varying surface charges.

The present work demonstrates the interaction of promising cancer cell photosensitizer, harmane (HM), with liposome membranes of varying surface charges, dimyristoyl-l-α-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoyl-l-α-phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG). Electrostatic interaction of the cationic probe (HM) with the surface charges of the lipids is responsible for differential modulation of the spectral properties of the drug in different lipid environments. Estimation of partition coefficient (K(p) (±10%) = 5.58 × 10(4) in DMPC and 3.28 × 10(5) in DMPG) of HM between aqueous buffer and lipid phases reflect strong binding interaction of the drug with both the lipids. Evidence for greater degree of partitioning of HM into DMPG membrane compared to DMPC membrane has been deduced and further substantiated from experimental studies such as steady-state fluorescence anisotropy, micropolarity determination. The molecular modeling investigation by docking simulation coupled with fluorescence quenching experiment has been exploited to substantiate the location of drug at the lipid head-group region. Modulation of the dynamical properties of the drug within the lipid environments has also been addressed. Rotational relaxation dynamics studies unravel the impartation of a significant degree of motional restriction on the probe molecule within the lipids and reinforce the differential interactions of HM with the two lipid systems along the lines of other findings. Fluorescence kinetics studies reveal a faster association (in terms of apparent rate constants describing the process of interaction) of the drug with DMPG membrane compared to DMPC. This result is argued in connection with the electrostatic interaction between the drug and the liposome surface charges.

Modulation of intramolecular charge transfer emission inside micelles: a fluorescence probe for studying microenvironment of micellar assemblies.

Modulation of intramolecular charge transfer reaction of ethyl ester of N,N-dimethylaminonaphthyl-(acrylic)-acid (EDMANA) in anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and non-ionic p-tert-octylphenoxy polyoxyethanol (Triton-X 100, TX-100) micelles has been addressed using steady state and time resolved spectroscopy. The interaction of the CT probe EDMANA with micelles and its location inside the micelles have been investigated by the study of fluorescence spectral band position of EDMANA in micelle, the effective polarity of micelle-water interface and cetyl pyridinium chloride induced fluorescence quenching measurement. The effects of urea on the properties of the micelles such as Critical Micelle Concentration and the interaction between EDMANA and micelles have been explored using EDMANA as emission probe.

Exploring the strength, mode, dynamics, and kinetics of binding interaction of a cationic biological photosensitizer with DNA: implication on dissociation of the drug-DNA complex via detergent sequestration.

The present study aims at exploring a detailed characterization of the binding interaction of a promising cancer cell photosensitizer, harmane (HM), with DNA extracted from herring sperm. The polarity-sensitive prototropic transformation of HM, a naturally occurring, fluorescent, drug-binding alkaloid, ß-carboline, is remarkably modified upon interaction with DNA and is manifested through significant modulations on the absorption and emission profiles of HM. From the series of studies undertaken in the present program, for example, absorption; steady-state emission; the effect of chaotrope (urea); iodide ion-induced steady-state fluorescence quenching; circular dichroism (CD); and helix melting from absorption spectroscopy; the mode of binding of HM into the DNA helix has been substantiated to be principally intercalative. Concomitantly, a discernible dependence of the photophysics of the DNA-bound drug on the medium ionic strength indicates that electrostatic attraction should not be ignored in the interaction. Efforts have also been delivered to delineate the dynamical aspects of the interaction, such as modulation in time-resolved fluorescence decay and rotational relaxation dynamics of the drug within the DNA environment. In view of the prospective biological applications of HM, the issue of facile dissociation of intercalated HM from the DNA helix also comprises a crucial prerequisite for the functioning as an effective therapeutic agent. In this context, our results imply that the concept of detergent-sequestered dissociation of the drug from the drug-DNA complex can be a prospective strategy through an appropriate choice of the detergent molecule. The utility of the present work resides in exploring the potential applicability of the fluorescence property of HM for studying its interactions with a relevant biological target, for example, DNA. In addition, the methods and techniques used in the present work can also be exploited to study the interaction of HM with other biological, biomimicking assemblies and drug delivery vehicles, and so forth.

Spectroscopic probing of location and dynamics of an environment-sensitive intramolecular charge transfer probe within liposome membranes.

The present work demonstrates the interaction of an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) probe 5-(4-dimethylamino-phenyl)-penta-2,4-dienoic acid methyl ester (DPDAME) with liposome membranes of dimyristoyl-L-α-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoyl-L-α-phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) studied by steady-state absorption, emission and time-resolved emission techniques. A huge hypsochromic shift together with remarkable enhancement of fluorescence quantum yield of the polarity sensitive ICT emission of DPDAME upon interaction with the lipids has been rationalized in terms of incorporation of the probe into hydrophobic interior of the lipids. Compelling evidences for penetration of the probe into the hydrocarbon interior of the lipids have been deduced from intertwining different experimental results e.g., micropolarity in the immediate vicinity of the probe in lipid environments, steady-state anisotropy, red-edge excitation shift (REES), fluorescence quenching experiments and time-resolved measurements. The rotational relaxation dynamics study of the membrane-bound probe unveils the impartation of high degree of motional rigidity. Wavelength-selective emission behaviour paves way for monitoring of solvent-relaxation in the membranes. Overall, the ICT probe DPDAME displays its commendable sensitivity in deciphering the microheterogeneous environments of liposomal membranes of DMPC and DMPG and promises a new membrane-polarity sensitizing probe.

Morphological transition of the host-structure influences solvent-relaxation: a wavelength-selective fluorescence exploration through environment-sensitive intramolecular charge transfer photophysics.

Here, we report the modulation of photo-induced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) photophysics of N,N-dimethylaminonaphthyl-acrylo-nitrile (DMANAN) associated with sphere-to-rod structural transition of SDS micelles induced by increasing ionic strength of the medium. Emphasis is rendered on the exploration of solvent-relaxation associated with this transition on the basis of wavelength-selective fluorescence technique which includes monitoring of red-edge excitation shift (REES) and excitation/emission anisotropy profiles. Based on micropolarity determination and organization of solvent water around the probe microenvironment we argue that the present results advocate for rod-shaped micelles to be a better mimic for membrane bilayers than spherical micelles.

Modulation of prototropic activity and rotational relaxation dynamics of a cationic biological photosensitizer within the motionally constrained bio-environment of a protein.

The present work describes the interaction of a promising cancer cell photosensitizer, harmane (HM), with a model transport protein, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The studied molecule of interest (HM) belongs to the family of naturally occurring fluorescent drug-binding alkaloids, the ß-carbolines. A combined use of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques is applied to follow and characterize the binding interaction. The polarity-dependent prototropic activity of HM is found to be responsible for the commendable sensitivity of the probe to the protein environments and is distinctly reflected on the emission profile. Steady-state fluorescence anisotropy study reveals the impartation of a considerable degree of motional restriction on the drug molecule as a result of binding to the protein. Contrary to the single-exponential nature of fluorescence anisotropy decay of HM in aqueous buffer, they are found to be biexponential in the protein environment. The rotational relaxation dynamics of HM within the protein has been interpreted on the lexicon of the Two-Step and Wobbling-in-Cone model. The probable binding location for the cationic drug is found to be the hydrophilic binding zone of BSA, i.e., domain I (characterized by a net negative charge). The AutoDock-based blind docking simulation has been explored for evaluating an unbiased result of the probable interaction site of HM in the protein. To unfold the effect of binding of the drug on the secondary structural content of the protein, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy has been exploited to see that binding of the drug accompanies some decrease in α-helical content of BSA, and the effect gradually saturates toward a higher drug/protein molar ratio.

Spectroscopic probe analysis for exploring probe-protein interaction: a mapping of native, unfolding and refolding of protein bovine serum albumin by extrinsic fluorescence probe.

Steady state and dynamic fluorescence measurements have been used to investigate interaction between Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and fluorescence probe para-N,N-dimethylamino orthohydroxy benzaldehyde (PDOHBA), a structurally important molecule exhibiting excited state coupled proton transfer (PT) and charge transfer (CT) reaction. Fluorescence anisotropy, acrylamide quenching, and time resolved fluorescence measurements corroborate the binding nature of the probe with protein. The binding constant between BSA and PDOHBA has been determined by using Benesi-Hildebrand and Stern-Volmer equations. The negative value of ΔG indicates the spontaneity of this probe-protein complexation process. Observations from synchronous, three dimensional fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism spectra point toward the fact that the hydrophobicity as well as α-helix content of BSA are altered in presence of probe PDOHBA. The PT band of PDOHBA is found to be an excellent reporter for the mapping of destructive and protective behavior of SDS with variation of chaotrope concentration.