Simulation of Deep Eutectic Solvents' Interaction with Membranes of Cancer Cells Using COSMO-RS

J Phys Chem B. 2020 Oct 15;124(41):9086-9094. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c04801. Epub 2020 Oct 5.

Abstract

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) affinities with cellular membranes structures dictate the degree of cytotoxicity that results from these interactions. The physicochemical properties of choline chloride (ChCl)-DESs suggest non-negligible cytotoxicities that were attested by published researches. In this study, the profiles of novel N,N-diethylammonium chloride (DAC)-based-deep eutectic solvents (DESs) prepared with various hydrogen bond donors (urea, glycerol, ethylene glycol, malonic acid, and zinc chloride) were compared to those of ChCl-DESs by using HelaS3, AGS, MCF-7, and WRL-68 cancer cell lines. The molecular interactions between salts and cellular membranes were investigated to explain the observed cytotoxicity. The results show that ChCl-based DESs (279 ≤ IC50 ≥ 1260 mM) were less toxic than DAC-based DESs (37 ≤ IC50 ≥ 109 mM). COSMO-RS analysis emphasized the importance of salt hydrophobicity with regards to DESs cytotoxicity. Malonic acid increased hydrophobicity and cytotoxicity in general, thus highlighting the potential of ammonium salt-based DESs as anticancer agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Choline*
  • Ethylene Glycol
  • Glycerol
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Neoplasms*
  • Solvents

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Ethylene Glycol
  • Choline
  • Glycerol