Li, F.Gorle, A.Ranson, M.Vine, K.Kinobe, R.Feterl, M.Warner, J.Keene, F.Collins, J.Day, A.2017-06-212017-06-212017Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 2017; 15(19):4172-41791477-05201477-0539http://hdl.handle.net/2440/106145The relatively non-toxic family of cucurbit[n]uril, Q[n], have shown considerable potential in vitro as drug delivery agents, with only a few examples of pharmacokinetic (PK) studies for drug⊂Q[n]. Drug-free Q[n] PK studies are the next step in determining the pharmacological applicability in their drug delivery potential. The results for the first PK and bio-distribution of drug-free ¹⁴C-Q[7] are described for administration via intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing. A study of oral administration of drug-free ¹⁴C-Q[8] has also been undertaken to determine the time course for the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), absorption and subsequent bio-distribution. Q[10], a potential drug carrier for larger drugs, was evaluated for its effect on the PK profile of a dinuclear ruthenium complex (Rubb₁₂), a potential antimicrobial agent. The Rubb₁₂⊂Q[10] complex and free Rubb₁₂ were administered by i.v. to determine differences in Rubb₁₂ plasma concentrations and organ accumulation. Interestingly, the PK profiles and bio-distribution observed for Q[7] showed similarities to those of Rubb₁₂⊂Q[10]. Drug-free Q[7] has a relatively fast plasma clearance and a generally low organ accumulation except for the kidneys. Drug-free Q[8] showed a low absorption from the GIT into the blood stream but the small percentage absorbed reflected the organ accumulation of Q[7]. These results provide a better understanding of the probable PK profile and bio-distribution for a drug⊂Q[n] through the influence of the drug delivery vehicle and the positive clearance of drug-free Q[n] via the kidneys supports its potential value in future drug delivery applications.enThis journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2017AnimalsMiceRutheniumOrganometallic CompoundsImidazolesCapsulesAnti-Infective AgentsTissue DistributionBridged-Ring CompoundsJournal article003006899510.1039/c7ob00724h0004015527000182-s2.0-85021688396350509Keene, F. [0000-0001-7759-0465]