Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology
Vol 31, No 1 (2026)

The role of astaxanthin‐Cu2+ in stabilizing glycated human serum albumin for type 2 diabetes mellitus management: a computational approach

Abiyyu, Naufal (Unknown)
Fitrianita, Alfia (Unknown)
Artika, I Made (Unknown)
Siregar, Josephine Elizabeth (Unknown)
Wibowo, Syahputra (Unknown)
Wardhani, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma (Unknown)
Budi, Canggih Setya (Unknown)
Nuringtyas, Tri Rini (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to the non‐enzymatic glycation of proteins, resulting in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which contribute to diabetic complications. Human serum albumin (HSA), a major plasma protein, undergoes structural alterations upon glycation (gHSA), reducing its stability and biological functions. Astaxanthin (ASX), a potent antioxidant, is limited by its instability and moderate binding affinity. In this study, we explore the use of copper (Cu2+) to form a stable ASX‐Cu2+ complex, enhancing the antioxidant properties of ASX and improving its interaction with HSA and gHSA. Utilizing computational approaches such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and free energy landscape (FEL) mapping, we analyze the stability and conformational changes of HSA and gHSA upon binding with ASX and ASX‐Cu2+. The residue interaction network (RIN) analysis reveals that ASX‐Cu2+ complexes create a more robust and interconnected network of non‐covalent interactions, particularly enhancing hydrogen bonding, π‐stacking, and ionic interactions. The ASX‐Cu2+ complex at a 1:2 molar ratio significantly improved the binding affinity and structural stability of both native and glycated HSA, reducing protein fluctuations and promoting a more compact conformation. These findings suggest that ASX‐Cu2+ complexes offer therapeutic potential for stabilizing albumin under glycation‐induced stress, with implications for managing oxidative stress and diabetes‐related complications.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijbiotech

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Description

The Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology (IJBiotech) is an open access, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the publication of novel research in all aspects of biotechnology, with particular attention paid to the exploration and development of natural products derived from ...