Ligand–macromolecule complexes: affinity index determination by selective nuclear relaxation analysis

Proton NMR selective and non‐selective spin–lattice relaxation rate measurements were used to monitor the strength of the overall complexation behaviour of a ligand (carbamazepine) toward a macromolecular receptor (albumin). The ‘affinity index,’ a quantitative parameter related to the strength of the ligand–macromolecule interaction, was determined from the experimental contribution of the bound ligand molar fraction to the observed selective spin–lattice relaxation rate. The effect of a second ligand (lamotrigine) on the carbamazepine–albumin interaction was also investigated and was found to have a modulation effect on the carbamazepine–albumin interaction.