Psoralen was found to form an inclusion complex with beta-cyclodextrin
(beta CD), heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DM beta CD) a
nd heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (TM beta CD). Phase
solubility studies revealed the formation of a 1:1 molar complexes. Th
e stability constant were 663 M(-1) for beta CD, 603 M(-1) for DM beta
CD and 69,6 M(-1) for TM beta CD. The formation of complexes in the s
olid state was confirmed by spectroscopic analyses, X-ray diffractomet
ry and differential thermal data. The solubility and dissolution rate
of the complexed forms were improved, particularly for the DM beta CD
complex. The strength of binding of psoralen to DNA was not influenced
by complexation with cyclodextrins.