CIRCULAR-DICHROISM STUDIES OF THE SELF-ASSOCIATION OF AMPHOTERICIN-B

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy has been used to evaluate the abi lity of 21 different solvents to influence the aggregation state of am photericin B. Using the relative donor/acceptor tendencies known for e ach solvent system, it was possible to deduce information as to the fa ctors which goven the self-association of amphotericin B. It was concl uded that in the absence of strong solvent interaction, amphotericin B prefers to self-associate into oligomeric species. This intrinsic dri ving force can be overcome through the use of solvents which function as strong electron pair donors, probably forming specific solvent-solu te species. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.