Impact of l-leucine on controlled release of ciprofloxacin through micellar catalyzed channels in aqueous medium

Abstract

The interplay between amino acid and surfactants offers exciting perspectives in biophysical research to acquire controlled drug release through charged channels. In this study, we investigated the impact of l-leucine amino acid (LEU) on steady release of ciprofloxacin (CIP), an antibacterial drug, through micellar catalyzed channels. Influence of LEU on CIP–surfactant association was examined via photo-luminescent measurements. Steady state fluorescence quenching and difference UV–visible methods were respectively applied for the determination of important parameters namely Stern–Volmer quenching constant (Ksv) and Gibbs energy of binding associated with the CIP–surfactant complex (ΔGb°) and the partitioning constant Kc. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative analyses, it was observed that LEU provides a channel to facilitate the partitioning of CIP towards the interior or core of the micelle, and hence differentiate the partitioning behavior of CIP from that of usual core-shell micelles. It was concluded that LEU facilitates the transfer of CIP into the core of micelle by providing alternative charged channels which was also manifested by the static quenching mode.