Huperzine A–human serum albumin association: Chromatographic and thermodynamic approach

The synthesis of six new huperzine analogues was reported. Each product presents an amidification of the free amine on huperzine A. The synthesis strategy of these new huperzine A derivatives is based on a condensation with an acyl anhydride. The binding on HSA of two molecule series (huperzine and benzodiazepine, respectively) was investigated with high performance liquid affinity chromatography (HPLAC) using an HSA column. A thermodynamic approach showed that binding huperzine A on HSA involved hydrophobic and Van der Waals interactions. A comparative thermodynamic study with benzodiazepine molecules was carried out to determine the potential binding site of huperzine derivatives on HSA.