Self-assembly of neuroprotective carbazolium based small molecules at octane/water interface: A simulation investigation

The self-assembly of dibromocarbazole based small molecule (P7C3) and its analogues is studied at the octane/water interface by using molecular dynamics simulations. P7C3 protects newborn neurons from apoptotic cell death and enhances neurogenesis. The bromines on the carbazole appear particularly important, as the derivatives with dichloro and parent carbazole did not appear active at the concentrations tested. We are mainly focused on the question that why is dibromocarbazole derivative an effective neuroprotective drug, but not dichlorocarbazole or parent carbazole? It was found that P7C3 and P7C3-Cl were concentrated in the interfacial region, whereas the parent carbazole derivative were distributed throughout the water phase. The diffusion of P7C3 molecules in the interfacial region are higher than P7C3-Cl. This approach could use by experimentalist to evaluate the permeability of drug candidates prior to their synthesis.

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