Specific and cooperative interactions between oximes and PAMAM dendrimers as demonstrated by (1)H NMR study

J Phys Chem B. 2012 Aug 30;116(34):10387-97. doi: 10.1021/jp305867v. Epub 2012 Aug 21.

Abstract

Oximes are important in the treatment of organophosphate (OP) poisoning, but have limited biological half-lives. Complexing these drugs with a macromolecule, such as a dendrimer, could improve their pharmacokinetics. The present study investigates the intermolecular interactions that drive the complexation of oxime-based drug molecules with fifth generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. We performed steady-state binding studies of two molecules, pralidoxime and obidoxime, employing multiple NMR methods, including 1D titration, (1)H-(1)H 2D spectroscopy (COSY, NOESY), and (1)H diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY). Several important insights were gained in understanding the host-guest interactions occurring between the drug molecules and the polymer. First, the guest molecules bind to the dendrimer macromolecule through a specific interaction rather than through random, hydrophobic encapsulation. Second, this specificity is driven primarily by the electrostatic or H-bond interaction of the oxime at a dendrimer amine site. Also, the average strength for each drug and dendrimer interaction is affected by the surface modification of the polymer. Third, individual binding events between oximes and a dendrimer have a negative cooperative effect on subsequent oxime binding. In summary, this report provides a novel perspective important for designing host systems for drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oximes / chemistry*
  • Protons

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Oximes
  • PAMAM Starburst
  • Protons