Photophysics of three delocalized lipophilic cations in reverse micelles: A fluorescence spectroscopy study

In this paper, aiming at the trans-membrane transport properties of the different DLCs related with the cytotoxicities, we have studied photophysics of DLCs in RMs. MTT assays indicated that DLC 1 were more cytotoxic than DLC 2 and 3. Steady-state absorption and fluorescence method have been used to characterize the binding model of three DLCs (1, 2, and 3) in RMs and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The progressive red-shift of compound 1 indicated that it can experience the hydrophilic and hydrophobic environment owing to the rigid structure, thus it can more easily cross the double membrane of cell than compounds 2 and 3. In conclusion, we simulated a model of compound 1 in RMs. The present study of F16 derivatives in microenvironment would provide some useful information to the cell membrane simulation and design of DLCs. - Graphical abstract: Aiming at the trans-membrane transport properties of the different DLCs related with the antitumor properties, MTT assay, steady-state absorption and fluorescence method have been used to characterize the binding model of three DLCs (1, 2, and 3) in reverse micelles (RMs) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Highlights: ► The drugs penetrating into the reverse micelles core were used to mimic the feature of drug trans-membrane transport. ► Compound 1 was incorporated into the Stern Layer of reverse micelles, while compound 3 was not. ► Reverse micelles would be used as a biomimic for drug designing and screening.