Supramolecular Chemistry From Biological Inspiration to Biomedical A
Supramolecular chemistry is often described as the study of chemistry beyond the simple molecular level yet it is often forgotten how many of the pioneering su-pramolecular chemists looked to molecular biology for their ideas. The search for an aldolase e
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Peter J. Cragg
Supramolecular Chemistry From Biological Inspiration to Biomedical Applications
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Dr. Peter J. Cragg School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences University of Brighton Huxley Bldg, Lewes Road BN2 4GJ Brighton UK [email protected]
ISBN 978-90-481-2581-4 e-ISBN 978-90-481-2582-1 DOI 10.1007/978-90-481-2582-1 Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg London New York Library of Congress Control Number: 2010932601 © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010 No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the Publisher, with the exception of any material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
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Preface
From its origins in the last quarter of the 20th Century the field of supramolecular chemistry has expanded to encompass a vast amount of science carried out at the nanoscale yet it is often forgotten that the initial inspiration for supramolecular chemists came from the world of molecular biology. Biological processes construct complex, highly functional molecular assemblies using an array of reversible intermolecular forces. The balance between these forces lies at the heart of enzyme catalysis, DNA replication, the translation of RNA into proteins, transmembrane ion transport, and a wealth of other biological phenomena. Pioneering supramolecular chemists sought to replicate the same complex and subtle interactions in the laboratory so that they could mimic the highly efficient way that chemistry is done in Nature. Key to the success of the field has been the ability of skilled scientists to apply their knowledge of these interactions to the design of unnatural molecules. As a consequence they are able to prepare highly specific sensors, imaging agents and pharmaceuticals, many of which are in widespread use today. Despite a number of excellent books devoted to supramolecular chemistry there are none that discuss its biological origins and biomedical applications in detail. The aim of this book is to return to the biomimicry and medicinal potential that inspired many of the early supramolecular chemists and to set it in the context of current advances in the field. It starts with an overview, covering the background to the field, the types of molecules and interactions commonly encountered, and methods for investigating the formation of supramolecules. In subsequent chapters parallels are drawn with biological phenomena: the formation of proteins and other biomolecules, self-replication and the origins of life, the evolution of cells, and the design of channel-forming molecules and enzymes. The application of supramolecular principles to sensors and magic bullet therapies is explained and the future of supramolecular the
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