Association of a weakly acidic anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) with a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer as studied by molecular dynamics simulations

J Phys Chem B. 2009 Aug 6;113(31):10984-93. doi: 10.1021/jp9039176.

Abstract

In this work, we report results from fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations regarding the associative behavior of a third-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimer with ibuprofen, a weakly acidic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in aqueous solutions and at different pH conditions. Employing a combined static and dynamic approach, we describe the specifics of the complexation/encapsulation of the drug within the dendritic structure. In addition, information regarding the dynamic behavior is provided for the self- and the collective motion of the drug molecules. The detail afforded by the present molecular-level description of the relevant associative mechanisms (i.e., electrostatic complexation, hydrogen-bonding), provides a deeper insight for the interpretation of recent experimental findings regarding the behavior of dendrimer/ibuprofen systems in an aqueous environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Dendrimers
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ibuprofen / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Polyamines / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Dendrimers
  • PAMAM Starburst
  • Polyamines
  • Ibuprofen