Vicky Vakali

Ms. Vicky Vakali

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 August 2022 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
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VVVicky Vakali
Vicky Vakali
MPMichail Papadourakis
Michail Papadourakis
NGNikitas Georgiou
Nikitas Georgiou
NZNIKOLETA ZOUPANOU
NIKOLETA ZOUPANOU
DDDimitrios A. Diamantis
Dimitrios A. Diamantis
Thomas MavromoustakosThomas Mavromoustakos
Thomas Mavromoustakos
Quercetin (QUE) is a well-known natural product that can exert beneficial properties on human health. However, due to its low solubility its bioavailability is limited. In the present study, we examine whether its formulation with two cyclodextrins (CDs) may enhance its pharmacological profile. Comparative interaction studies of quercetin with 2-hydroxyl-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (2HP-β-CD) and 2,6-methylated cyclodextrin (2,6Me-β-CD) were performed using NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using T1 relaxation experiments and 2D DOSY it was illustrated that both cyclodextrin vehicles can host quercetin. Quantum mechanical calculations showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between QUE with 2HP-β-CD and 2,6Μe-β-CD. Six hydrogen bonds are formed ranging between 2 to 2.8 Å with 2HP-β-CD and four hydrogen bonds within 2.8 Å with 2,6Μe-β-CD. Calculations of absolute binding free energies show that quercetin binds favorably to both 2,6Me-β-CD and 2HP-β-CD. MM/GBSA results show equally favorable binding of quercetin in the two CDs. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows moderate binding of quercetin in 2HP-β-CD (520 M−1) and 2,6Me-β-CD (770 M−1). Thus, we propose that both formulations (2HP-β-CD:quercetin, 2,6Me-β-CD:quercetin) could be further explored and exploited as small molecule carriers in biological studies.

15 August 2023 in Journal of Molecular Structure
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
GLGeorgios Leonis
Georgios Leonis
VVVicky Vakali
Vicky Vakali
NZNikoletta Zoupanou
Nikoletta Zoupanou
NGNikitas Georgiou
Nikitas Georgiou
DDDimitrios A. Diamantis
Dimitrios A. Diamantis
Demeter TzeliDemeter Tzeli
Demeter Tzeli