Atomistic simulation and measurement of pH dependent cancer therapeutic interactions with nanodiamond carrier

Mol Pharm. 2011 Apr 4;8(2):368-74. doi: 10.1021/mp1002398. Epub 2011 Jan 26.

Abstract

In this work, we have combined constant-pH molecular dynamics simulations and experiments to provide a quantitative analysis of pH dependent interactions between doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) cancer therapeutic and faceted nanodiamond (ND) nanoparticle carriers. Our study suggests that when a mixture of faceted ND and DOX is dissolved in a solvent, the pH of this solvent plays a controlling role in the adsorption of DOX molecules on the ND. We find that the binding of DOX molecules on ND occurs only at high pH and requires at least ∼10% of ND surface area to be fully titrated for binding to occur. As such, this study reveals important mechanistic insight underlying an ND-based pH-controlled therapeutic platform.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / chemistry
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / metabolism*
  • Doxorubicin / chemistry
  • Doxorubicin / metabolism*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Nanodiamonds / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Nanodiamonds
  • Doxorubicin