Basics of Molecular Recognition explores fundamental recognition principles between monomers or macromolecules that lead to diverse biological functions. Based on the author's longtime courses, the book helps readers understand the structural aspects of macromolecular recognition and stimulates further research on whether molecules similar to DNA o

The importance of molecular recognition in chemistry and biology is reflected in a recent upsurge in relevant research, promoted in particular by high-profile initiatives in this area in Europe, the USA and Japan. Although molecular recognition is necessarily microscopic in origin, its consequences are de facto macroscopic. Accordingly, a text that starts with intermolecular interactions between simple molecules and builds to a discussion of molecular recognition involving larger scale systems is timely. This book was planned with such a development in mind. The book begins with an elementary but rigorous account of the various types of forces between molecules. Chapter 2 is concerned with the hydrogen bond between pairs of simple molecules in the gas phase, with particular reference to the preferred relative orientation of the pair and the ease with which this can be distorted. This microscopic view continues in chapter 3 wherein the nature of interactions between solute molecules and solvents or between two or more solutes is examined from the experimental standpoint, with various types of spectroscopy providing the probe of the nature of the interactions. Molecular recognition is central to the catalysis of chemical reactions, especially when bonds are to be broken and formed under the severe con straint that a specific configuration is to result, as in the production of enan tiotopically pure compounds. This important topic is considered in chapter 4.

The lock-and-key principle formulated by Emil Fischer as early as the end of the 19th century has still not lost any of its significance for the life sciences. The basic aspects of ligand-protein interaction may be summarized under the term 'molecular recognition' and concern the specificity as well as stability of ligand binding. Molecular recognition is thus a central topic in the development of active substances, since stability and specificity determine whether a substance can be used as a drug. Nowadays, computer-aided prediction and intelligent molecular design make a large contribution to the constant search for, e. g., improved enzyme inhibitors, and new concepts such as that of pharmacophores are being developed. An up-to-date presentation of an eternally young topic, this book is an indispensable information source for chemists, biochemists and pharmacologists dealing with the binding of ligands to proteins.

Recognition receptors play a key role in the successful implementation of chemical and biosensors. Molecular recognition refers to non-covalent speci?c binding between molecules, one of which is typically a macromolecule or a molecular assembly, and the other is the target molecule (ligand or analyte). Biomolecular recognition is typically driven by many weak interactions such as hydrogen bo- ing, metal coordination, hydrophobic forces, van der Waals forces, pi-pi interactions and electrostatic interaction (due to permanent charges, dipoles, and quadrupoles) the polarization of charge distributions by the interaction partner leading to ind- tion and dispersion forces, and Pauli-exclusion-principle-derived inter-atomic repulsion, and a strong, “attractive” force arising largely from the entropy of the solvent and termed the hydrophobic effect. In recent years, there has been much progress in understanding the forces that drive the formation of such complexes, and how these forces are relate to the physical properties of the interacting molecules and their environment allows rational design of molecules and materials that interact in speci?c and desired ways. This book presents a signi?cant and up-to-date review of the various recognition elements, their immobilization, characterization techniques by a panel of dist- guished scientists. This work is a comprehensive approach to the recognition receptors area presenting a thorough knowledge of the subject and an effective integration of these receptors on sensor surfaces in order to appropriately convey the state-of the-art fundamentals and applications of the most innovative approaches.

The importance of molecular recognition in chemistry and biology is reflected in a recent upsurge in relevant research, promoted in particular by high-profile initiatives in this area in Europe, the USA and Japan. Although molecular recognition is necessarily microscopic in origin, its consequences are de facto macroscopic. Accordingly, a text that starts with intermolecular interactions between simple molecules and builds to a discussion of molecular recognition involving larger scale systems is timely. This book was planned with such a development in mind. The book begins with an elementary but rigorous account of the various types of forces between molecules. Chapter 2 is concerned with the hydrogen bond between pairs of simple molecules in the gas phase, with particular reference to the preferred relative orientation of the pair and the ease with which this can be distorted. This microscopic view continues in chapter 3 wherein the nature of interactions between solute molecules and solvents or between two or more solutes is examined from the experimental standpoint, with various types of spectroscopy providing the probe of the nature of the interactions. Molecular recognition is central to the catalysis of chemical reactions, especially when bonds are to be broken and formed under the severe con straint that a specific configuration is to result, as in the production of enan tiotopically pure compounds. This important topic is considered in chapter 4.

The design and use of chemosensors for ion and molecule recognition - a branch of supramolecular chemistry - have developed at an extraordinary rate. This imaginative and creative area involves work at the interface of organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biology, medicine and environmental science and is providing new sensors based on the specific signal delivered by the analyte-probe reaction. The emergence of efficient fluorescent receptors has allowed the detection, identification, and even titration of, for example, heavy metal or radionuclide pollutants. Further, with sensors displaying specific and strong complexation properties, such materials could be detected and removed at very low concentrations. Further, among other species of biological interest, sugars, oxygen and carbon dioxide can actually be probed with optodes and similar devices. This is clearly just the beginning of a very promising line of research. Audience: Organic chemists interested in creating new chemosensors, as well as the many potential end users of such sensors.