Inclusion of a Catechol-Derived Hydrazinyl-Thiazole (CHT) in β-Cyclodextrin Nanocavity and Its Effect on Antioxidant Activity: A Calorimetric, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Approach

The aim of the present research was to obtain a supramolecular complex between a strong antioxidant compound previously reported by our group, in order to extend its antioxidant activity. The formation of the inclusion complex of a catechol hydrazinyl-thiazole derivative (CHT) and β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution has been investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), spectroscopic and theoretical methods. The stoichiometry of this inclusion complex was established to be equimolar (1:1) and its equilibrium constant was determined. An estimation of the thermodynamic parameters of the inclusion complex showed that it is an enthalpy and entropy-driven process. Our observations also show that hydrophobic interactions are the key interactions that prevail in the complex. H NMR spectroscopic method was employed to study the inclusion process in an aqueous solution. Job plots derived from the H NMR spectral data demonstrated 1:1 stoichiometry of the inclusion complex in a liquid state. A 2D NMR spectrum suggests the orientation of the aromatic ring of CHT inside the β-CD cavity. The antiradical activity of the complex was evaluated and compared with free CHT, indicating a delayed activity compared with free CHT. To obtain additional qualitative and visual insight into the particularity of CHT and β-CD interaction, molecular docking calculations have been performed.