Synergetic effect of triazolium based ionic liquid on beta-cyclodextrin encapsulated Nile blue: A fluorescence spectroscopic analysis

• Cytotoxicity studies of the 1,2,4-triazolium based ionic liquid were conducted. • A novel pharmaceutical formulation incorporating an 1,2,4-triazolium based ionic liquid as an additive and a penetration enhancer, beta-cyclodextrin, loaded with the drug moiety Nile Blue. • Absorption and fluorescence studies of the system have been performed. • Incorporation of ionic liquid in presence of beta-cyclodextrin can have appreciable advantage as better drug delivery system for Nile blue. • The dual role of the ionic liquid as a functional excipient and as a stabilizing agent. The modality of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of cancer is found to be most viable non-invasive technique. Drug molecules, photosensitizers (PS) are used in these modalities as in the identification and treatment of cancer tissues. They are hydrophobic and exhibit unique fluorescence property, leading to their advantage. The current work, focuses on using newly synthesized 1,2,4-triazolium-based protic ionic liquid (IL), 1-propyl-1,2,4-triazolium trifluoroacetate (1-prop4HTTFA), incorporated within the well-known drug delivery media β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in the delivery of PS. A model PS molecule, Nile blue chloride (NBC) which exhibits fluorescence property is used here to understand the association between triazolium based IL and β-CD. Cytotoxicity studies on the newly synthesized triazolium based IL were evaluated using MTS assay, so that the concentration range of 1-prop4HTTFA suitable for biological media can be established. The NBC/1-prop4HTTFA/β-CD systems have been evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results reveal heterogeneous supramolecular interactions, with 1-prop4HTTFA modifying the nano-environment inside the hydrophobic β-CD core. This heterogeneity promotes enhanced entrapment of NBC, which may lead to improved cellular permeation, increased bioavailability, and greater potential for targeted drug delivery applications. NBC loaded 1-prop4HTTFA / β-CD Assembly: A New Drug Delivery Platform for Nile Blue