Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Supramolecular Anticancer Nanotubes

J Chem Inf Model. 2018 Jun 25;58(6):1164-1168. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00193. Epub 2018 Jun 6.

Abstract

We report here on long-time all-atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of functional supramolecular nanotubes composed by the self-assembly of peptide-drug amphiphiles (DAs). These DAs have been shown to possess an inherently high drug loading of the hydrophobic anticancer drug camptothecin. We probe the self-assembly mechanism from random with ∼0.4 μs molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we also computationally characterize the interfacial structure, directionality of π-π stacking, and water dynamics within several peptide-drug nanotubes with diameters consistent with the reported experimental nanotube diameter. Insight gained should inform the future design of these novel anticancer drug delivery systems.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Camptothecin / administration & dosage*
  • Camptothecin / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / ultrastructure
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Peptides
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Water
  • Camptothecin