Molecular interaction of an ester-functionalized biodegradable gemini surfactant with lysozyme: Insights from spectroscopy, calorimetry and molecular docking

Designing and compilation of novel chemical molecules to optimize the structural characteristics of biomolecules is an interesting and fascinating domain of research at the interface of chemistry and molecular biology. In this context, we have synthesized a green/biocompatible gemini surfactant, ethane-1, 2-diyl bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammoniumacetoxy) dichloride (16-E2-16), and examined its interaction with the model enzyme hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) utilizing sophisticated spectroscopic, microscopic, calorimetric and molecular modeling techniques. The results obtained through multidimensional approach demonstrate that 16-E2-16 is able to influence the structural aspects of HEWL. The intrinsic fluorescence and UV spectroscopic results reflect HEWL-16-E2-16 complex formation. Synchronous, three-dimensional and pyrene fluorescences show substantial changes in microenviroment around tyrosine and tryptophan residues. CD results demonstrate conformational change in HEWL upon 16-E2-16 combination. ITC suggests the contribution of hydrophobic forces and spontaneous nature of 16-E2-16-HEWL interaction. Molecular modeling confirms the binding of 16-E2-16 gemini surfactant near predominant fluorophores (Trp-62/Trp-108). TEM micrographs infer structural changes in HEWL. This study is thought to have good potential to help scientists to further interpret the surfactant-HEWL interaction at the molecular level, which will be significant to compile surfactant-protein mixtures in general for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.