Spectroscopic, docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies on the interaction of two Schiff base complexes with human serum albumin

This study was designed to examine the interaction of two Schiff base complexes with human serum albumin (HSA), by different kinds of spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques. Fluorescence quenching and absorption spectra were investigated in order to estimate the binding parameters. The analysis of absorption data at different temperatures were done in order to estimate the thermodynamics parameters of interactions between Schiff base complexes and HSA. The experimental data suggested that both complexes demonstrated a significant binding affinity to HSA and the process is enthalpy driven. Molecular docking study indicated that both Schiff base complexes bind to polar and apolar residues located in the subdomain IB of HSA. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also performed with the GROMACS program package to study the characters of HSA in binding states. Molecular dynamics results suggested that both Schiff base complexes can interact with HSA, without affecting the secondary structure of HSA but probably with a slight modification of its tertiary structure. All the molecular docking and molecular dynamics results kept in good consistence with experimental data. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.