Does aggregation modulate the apparent association constant of host–guest complexes and related species?

Abstract

The present paper illustrates the consequences of aggregation phenomena on the apparent association constant of a host–guest system in three different cases. In the first, the guest gives aggregates whereas in the second the host exhibits aggregation while maintaining a constant affinity for the guest. In the last case under examination, it is the host–guest species that is assumed to aggregate. Numerical simulations based on widely used experimental protocols emphasized the significance of aggregation phenomena on apparent association constants under a broad range of circumstances. The possible relevance of the present analysis to real systems is discussed.