Molecular recognition of bio-active flavonoids quercetin and rutin by bovine hemoglobin: an overview of the binding mechanism, thermodynamics and structural aspects through multi-spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulation studies

The binding of two bio-active flavonoids, quercetin and rutin, with bovine hemoglobin (BHb) was investigated by multi-spectroscopic and computational (molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation) studies. The two flavonoids were found to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BHb through a static quenching mechanism. The binding constants at 288 K were observed to be (14.023 ± 0.73) × 104 M−1 and (7.848 ± 0.20) × 104 M−1, respectively for quercetin and rutin binding with BHb. Both rutin and quercetin were observed to increase the polarity around the Trp residues of BHb as indicated by synchronous and 3D spectral studies. No significant alterations in the secondary structural components of the protein were caused during the binding of the flavonoids as studied by CD and FTIR studies. The negative molar Gibbs free energies indicated the spontaneity of the interaction processes while the binding processes were characterized by a negative enthalpy change (ΔH) and a positive entropy change (ΔS). The possibility of energy transfer from the donor (BHb) to the acceptor molecules (flavonoids) was indicated by the FRET studies. According to the fluorescence studies, the flavonoids interact near to the β2-Trp37 residue of BHb. Excellent correlations with the experimental studies were observed from the molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. Further investigations established that these flavonoids are efficient in the inhibition of glucose mediated glycation of BHb.