Intermolecular interactions between cucurbit[7]uril and pilocarpine

The interactions between cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) macrocycles and pilocarpine (PIL) were investigated in aqueous solution by using 1H NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic techniques. The characterizations of the freeze-drying solid complex were conducted by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The DSC and thermogravimetry confirmed the production of a thermally stable solid complex. The NMR, CD and ESI-MS measurements confirmed asymmetric induction during the complexation reaction, in which the γ-lactone ring of PIL (not the imidazole nucleus) has been fully encapsulated within the cavity of CB7. The stability of the drug has significantly enhanced as evidenced by the high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. The results are discussed in the context of utilizing non-conventional supramolecular host–guest approaches to enhance the chemical stability in aqueous media of hydrophilic PIL drugs as model compounds. The non-classical stereospecific interactions between CB7 and PIL drugs are also highlighted.

Graphical abstractReversible non-covalent host–guest formation of pilocarpine with CB7 excipient enhanced the chemical stability of the drug.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (96 K)Download as PowerPoint slide