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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2005  > March  >
Chemistry for Everyone
Products of Chemistry
A Supramolecular Approach to Medicinal Chemistry: Medicine Beyond the Molecule
David K. Smith
Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
Cover
March 2005
Vol. 82 No. 3
p. 393
Abstract
This article focuses on the essential roles played by intermolecular forces in mediating the interactions between chemical molecules and biological systems. Intermolecular forces constitute a key topic in chemistry programs, yet can sometimes seem disconnected from real-life applications. However, by taking a "supramolecular" view of medicinal chemistry and focusing on interactions between molecules, it is possible to come to a deeper understanding of recent developments in medicine. This allows us to gain a real insight into the interface between biology and chemistry—an interdisciplinary area that is crucial for the development of modern medicinal products. This article emphasizes a conceptual view of medicinal chemistry, which has important implications for the future, as the supramolecular approach to medicinal-chemistry products outlined here is rapidly allowing nanotechnology to converge with medicine. In particular, this article discusses recent developments including the rational design of drugs such as Relenza and Tamiflu, the mode of action of vancomycin, and the mechanism by which bacteria develop resistance, drug delivery using cyclodextrins, and the importance of supramolecular chemistry in understanding protein aggregation diseases such as Alzheimer's and Creutzfield–Jacob. The article also indicates how taking a supramolecular approach will enable the development of new nanoscale medicines.
More Information
*  Citation
 Smith, David K. J. Chem. Educ. 2005 82 393.
*  Keywords
 Drugs / Pharmaceuticals; General Chemistry; Intermolecular Forces; Medicinal Chemistry; Nanotechnology; Organic Chemistry
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 February 2, 2005
February 18, 2005
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