Molecular modelling and 1H-NMR: ultimate tools for the investigation of tolbutamide: beta-cyclodextrin and tolbutamide: hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin complexes

A structural study of the inclusion compound of tolbutamide (TBM) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was attempted by means of 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) experiments and computer molecular modelling. To establish the stoichiometry and stability constant of the beta-CD:TBM complex, the continuous variation method was used. The presence of true inclusion complexes between TBM and beta-CD or HP-beta-CD in solution was clearly evidenced by the 1H-NMR technique. Changes in chemical shifts of H-3 and H-5 protons, located inside the CD cavity, associated with variations in the chemical shifts of TBM aromatic protons provided clear evidence of inclusion complexation, suggesting that the phenyl moiety of the drug molecule was included in the hydrophobic cavity of CDs. This view was further supported by the observation of intermolecular NOEs between TBM and beta-CD and by the aid of a molecular modelling program, which established the most probable structure of the complex. The molecular graphic computation confirmed that the minimum energy, positioning TBM relative to beta-CD, occurs when the aromatic ring of TBM is included within the beta-CD cavity by its wider side, leaving the aliphatic chain externally, which is in good agreement with the results of 1H-NMR studie

Mechanical properties and total hydroxycinnamic derivative release of starch/glycerol/Melissa officinalis extract films

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of starch/glycerol/Melissa officinalis, a topical drug delivery system for labial herpes treatment. Four films were prepared with different concentrations of starch, glycerol, and Melissa officinalis extract. The results revealed that increasing the glycerol concentration in the film reduced elasticity modulus and tensile strength, exhibiting a plasticizing effect. The increase in free volume resulted in increased release of hydroxycinnamic derivatives expressed as rosmarinic acid.<br>O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as propriedades mecânicas e o mecanismo de liberação de um sistema tópico de liberação prolongada para o tratamento do Herpes labial a partir de filmes de amido/glicerol/extrato de Melissa officinalis, planta com comprovada atividade antiviral. Foram obtidos quatro filmes poliméricos com diferentes concentrações de amido, glicerol e extrato de Melissa officinalis os quais foram caracterizados mecanicamente e determinado o perfil de liberação de derivados hidroxicinâmicos. Os resultados demonstraram que o aumento da concentração de glicerol no filme produz uma redução no módulo de elasticidade e na tensão de deformação como conseqüência do efeito plastificante. O aumento no volume livre do polímero resultou em aumento da liberação dos derivados hidroxicinâmicos expressos como ácido rosmarínico