Unveiling the molecular interactions between alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids and human serum albumin: Implications for toxicological significance

Abstract

Alkyl imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) are promising for diverse industrial applications; however, their growing prevalence has raised concerns regarding human exposure and potential health implications. A critical aspect to be clarified to address the adverse health effects associated with ILs exposure is their binding mode to human serum albumin (HSA). In this study, we delved into the binding interactions between three alkyl imidazolium ILs (1-hexyl-3-methyl-imidazolium (C6[MIM]), 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (C8[MIM]) and 1-decyl-3-methyl-imidazolium (C10[MIM]) and human serum albumins (HSAs) using a comprehensive approach encompassing molecular docking and multi-spectroscopy (UV–visible, Fluorescence, Circular Dichroism, FTIR). Furthermore, for the first time, we developed an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach time to quantify plasma protein binding rates. Our results revealed that the ILs primarily bind to the hydrophobic cavity of HSA through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, forming stable complexes via static quenching. This affected HSA's secondary structure, reducing α-helical content, particularly around specific residues. Equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration coupled with UPLC-MS/MS analysis showed modest plasma protein binding rates (17.84%–31.85%) for the three ILs, with no significant influence from alkyl chain effects or concentration relationship. Lower plasma protein binding rates can affect bioavailability and distribution of ILs, potentially influencing their toxicity. These findings provide critical insights into the potential toxicological implications at the molecular level, thereby contributing to continuous efforts to evaluate the risk profiles and ensure the safe utilization of these compounds.