Baicalein Interactions with Lipid Membrane Models: Implications for Its Protective Role against Respiratory Viral Infections

Author(s)

Martins, Bruna Alves ; Sousa, Giovanna Eller Silva ; de Almeida Jr, Alexandre Mendes ; Toledo, Karina Alves ; Oliveira, Osvaldo N. ; Camacho, Sabrina Alessio ; Aoki, Pedro Henrique Benites

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Langmuir; v. 41, n. 14, p. 9-pg., 2025-04-07.

Abstract

Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and antiviral properties, as is the case for baicalein derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, which is effective against respiratory viral infections. In this study, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between baicalein and Langmuir monolayers as models for cell membranes. For comparison, we analyzed monolayers from lipid extracts of two cell lines: oropharyngeal carcinoma (HEp-2), which is susceptible to respiratory viral infections, and primary melanoma (A375), which is not. Baicalein incorporation into A375 lipid extract monolayers shifted the pi-A isotherms to larger areas, reducing monolayer stability. In contrast, its incorporation into HEp-2 lipid extract monolayers shifted the pi-A isotherms to smaller areas, enhancing both compaction and stability. Polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) revealed that baicalein interactions with A375 lipid extracts involved electrostatic attractions and repulsions with choline and phosphate headgroups, disrupting chain organization and expanding the monolayer. In HEp-2 lipid extracts, baicalein interacted strongly with phosphate headgroups and lipid chains, increasing chain order and stabilizing the monolayer. These findings suggest that baicalein stabilizes HEp-2 lipid membranes, potentially providing a protective mechanism against respiratory viral infections. Its selective interaction with lipid membranes is consistent with its therapeutic potential and role in modulating membrane properties to inhibit viral entry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/17301-5 - Molecular Interactions of the flavonoid Baicalein in Cell Membrane Models Deriveted from A375e HEp-2 Cancer Cells
• Grantee: Bruna Alves Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 24/15686-0 - Multifunctional approach of gold nanostructures coated with silica: combining the diagnosis of circulating cancer cells with the tumor phototherapy
• Grantee: Sabrina Aléssio Camacho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 23/17867-9 - Multifunctional approach of gold nanostructures coated with silica: combining the diagnosis of circulating cancer cells with the tumor phototherapy
• Grantee: Sabrina Aléssio Camacho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 24/16714-7 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2023/17867-9: spectrofluorimeter
• Grantee: Sabrina Aléssio Camacho
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 24/00313-3 - EVALUATION OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN FUNCTIONALIZED NANODIAMONDS AND CELL MEMBRANE MIMETIC MODELS OF GRAM-POSITIVE AND GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA
• Grantee: Giovanna Eller Silva Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 22/02189-2 - Plasmonic nanostructures for synergistic photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapy of cancer cells
• Grantee: Pedro Henrique Benites Aoki
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project