Supramolecular interactions of solid human serum albumin with binary mixtures of solvent vapors

Sorption isotherms of organic compounds on solid human serum albumin (HSA) from binary vapor mixtures were determined by gas chromatographic headspace analysis. The shape of sorption isotherms depends on molecular structure of studied sorbates. The 'active' compounds capable to sorb effectively on dry HSA increase the sorption of 'passive' compounds unable to be sorbed by dry HSA in absence of the third component. The critical hydration of HSA is required for sorption activation of 'passive' sorbates if water is taken as 'active' component. Ethanol and acetonitrile exhibit such activation effect without threshold. 'Passive' sorbates are able to produce cooperative activation effect on the sorption of 'active' component. Hydration history effect is observed for sorption on prehydrated HSA and HSA hydrated in situ. Obtained results were interpreted in terms of clathrate formation by 'passive' sorbate (substrate) and 'active' component inside the HSA (receptor) binding centers.