Exploring the Mechanism of β-Cyclodextrin-Encased Phenolic Acids Functionalized with TPP for Antioxidant Activity and...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Mitochondrial oxidative stress is linked to severe health conditions.
• Developing cell-penetrant antioxidants with mitochondrial targeting is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antioxidant properties of triphenylphosphonium (TPP)-conjugated phenolic acids.
• To evaluate their encapsulation within beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and mitochondrial targeting potential.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of TPP conjugates of caffeic, coumaric, and cinnamic acids.
• Formation of inclusion complexes with β-CD.
• Assessment of antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and computational analysis (molecular dynamics, free energy calculations).

Main Results:

• High-efficiency encapsulation of TPP conjugates in β-CD was achieved.
• TPP conjugates retained significant antioxidant activity; β-CD complexes showed slight reductions.
• Low cytotoxicity was observed. TPP conjugation enhanced mitochondrial translocation of caffeic acid.

Conclusions:

• TPP-conjugated phenolic acids are effective antioxidants.
• Encapsulation in β-CD maintains their activity while improving mitochondrial targeting.
• These compounds show promise for combating mitochondrial oxidative stress.