Sequestration of Drugs from Biomolecular and Biomimicking Environments: Spectroscopic and Calorimetric Studies

The binding of drugs to nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, amino acids, and other biological receptors is necessary for the transportation of drugs. However, various side effects may also originate if the bound drug molecules are not dissociated from the carrier, especially with the aid of non-toxic agents. The sequestration of small drug molecules bound to biomolecules is thus central to counter issues related to drug overdose and drug detoxification. In this article, we aim to present several methods used for the dissociation of small drug molecules bound to different biological and biomimicking assemblies under in vitro experimental conditions. To this effect, the application of various molecular assemblies, like micelles, mixed micelles, molecular containers, like β-cyclodextrin, cucurbit[7]uril hydrate, etc., has been discussed. Herein, we also try to shed light on the driving forces underlying such sequestration processes through spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques.