Enhancing Bioactivity through the Transfer of the 2-(Hydroxymethoxy)Vinyl Moiety: Application in the Modification of Tyrosol and Hinokitiol

Abstract

Utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/QZVP level and incorporating the Conductor-like Polarizable Continuum Model (C-PCM) for solvation, the thermodynamic and chemical activity properties of 21-(hydroxymethoxy)henicosadecaenal, identified in cultured freshwater pearls from the mollusk Hyriopsis cumingii, have been elucidated. The study demonstrates that this compound releases formaldehyde, a potent antimicrobial agent, through dehydrogenation and deprotonation processes in both hydrophilic and lipophilic environments. Moreover, this polyenal exhibits strong anti-reductant properties, effectively scavenging free radicals. These critical properties classify the pearl-derived ingredient as a natural multi-functional compound, serving as a coloring, antiradical, and antimicrobial agent. The 2-(hydroxymethoxy)vinyl (HMV) moiety responsible for the formaldehyde release can be transferred to other compounds, thereby enhancing their biological activity. For instance, tyrosol (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenol) can be modified by substituting the less active 2-hydroxyethyl group with the active HMV one, and hinokitiol (4-isopropylotropolone) can be functionalized by attaching this moiety to the tropolone ring. A new type of meso-carrier, structurally modeled on pearls, with active substances loaded both in the layers and the mineral part, has been proposed.