Interaction of acyclovir and its squalenoyl-acyclovir prodrug with DMPC in monolayers at the air/water interface

Int J Pharm. 2010 Aug 16;395(1-2):167-73. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2010.05.035.

Abstract

Acyclovir has been conjugated to the acyclic isoprenoid chain of squalene to form the squalenoyl-acyclovir prodrug. Its interaction with biomembrane models constituted by dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) monolayers has been studied by employing the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The aim of the work was to gain information on the interaction of these compounds with phospholipid membranes. DMPC/acyclovir or squalenoyl-acyclovir prodrug mixed monolayers have been prepared at increasing molar fractions of the compound and the isotherm mean molecular area/surface pressure has been registered at 10 and 37 degrees C. Results reveal that the squalenoyl moiety enhances the affinity of acyclovir for the biomembrane model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / analogs & derivatives
  • Acyclovir / chemistry*
  • Air
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry*
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine / chemistry*
  • Drug Compounding
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Pressure
  • Prodrugs / chemistry*
  • Squalene / analogs & derivatives
  • Squalene / chemistry*
  • Surface Tension
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Prodrugs
  • Water
  • Squalene
  • Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine
  • Acyclovir