Flavin-Conjugated Nanobombs: Key Structural Requirements Governing Their Self-Assemblies' Morphologies

Bioconjug Chem. 2021 Mar 17;32(3):553-562. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00028. Epub 2021 Feb 23.

Abstract

In contrast to artificial molecules, natural photosensitizers have the benefit of excellent toxicity profiles and of life-compatible activating energy ranges. Flavins are such photosensitizers that were selected by nature in a plethora of light-triggered biochemical reactions. Flavin-rich nanoparticles could thus emerge as promising tools in photodynamic therapies and in active-targeting drug delivery. Self-assembled flavin-conjugated phospholipids improve the pharmacokinetics of natural flavins and, in the case of controlled morphologies, reduce photobleaching phenomena. The current article presents a proof of concept for the design of riboflavin-rich nanoparticles of tunable morphology from multilamellar patches to vesicular self-assemblies. Coarse-grained simulations of the self-assembling process revealed the key interactions governing the obtained nanomaterials and successfully guided the synthesis of new flavin-conjugates of predictable self-assembly. The obtained flavin-based liposomes had a 65 nm hydrodynamic diameter, were stable, and showed potential photosensitizer activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dinitrocresols / chemistry*
  • Liposomes
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Photochemotherapy
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Dinitrocresols
  • Liposomes
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol