Assessing B12N12 and Al12N12 nanocages as potential vehicles for 1-(phthalazin-1(2H)-one)[(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazine, against onchocerciasis: a DFT study†

Abstract

This work explores the potential of B₁₂N₁₂ and Al₁₂N₁₂ nanocages as carriers for 1-(phthalazin-1(2H)-one)[(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazone (APN). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at M06/def2-SVP were conducted for energy minimization and at M06/def2-TZVP level for property calculations. Molecular electrostatic surface potential (ESP) analysis of APN identified two potential adsorption sites: the pyridine nitrogen (confA) and the azomethine nitrogen (confB). Thermochemical analysis indicates that the APN-nanocage complexes are energetically favorable, spontaneous and exothermic with confA complexes exhibiting the highest stability. Global reactivity studies indicate that complexation especially viaconfA significantly presents enhanced reactivity as evidenced by their lower HOMO–LUMO energy gaps and favourable electron transfer properties. QTAIM and NCI analyses show that the main interactions in the complexes are intermediate and non-covalent. Drug likeness analysis was equally performed and APN has a promising drug-like profile and could be a suitable candidate for further development as an orally bioavailable drug. Conclusively, both nanocages show promise as carriers for APN in the treatment of onchocerciasis.