BIOMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS IN DRUG DISCOVERY: NEW INSIGHTS FROM SURFACE CHEMISTRY

Abstract

Biomolecular interactions play a crucial role in drug discovery, influencing the identification, optimization, and efficacy of therapeutic compounds. This research paper explores the role of surface chemistry in modulating biomolecular interactions, focusing on how surface properties, ligand-receptor binding, and molecular recognition can enhance drug screening and development. The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative data from biophysical assays such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), with qualitative insights from molecular docking simulations and computational modelling. The results indicate that surface chemistry significantly affects molecular binding affinity, selectivity, and kinetics, providing valuable guidance for rational drug design. Modifications of surface characteristics, including charge distribution, hydrophobicity, and functional group presentation, were found to optimize ligand-receptor interactions and improve target specificity. Moreover, the analysis highlights the importance of integrating experimental and computational approaches to better predict drug efficacy and reduce off-target effects. This paper also outlines potential strategies for enhancing high-throughput screening platforms and designing surface-engineered biomaterials for targeted therapeutics. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on biomolecular interactions, offering evidence-based insights that can accelerate drug discovery pipelines and improve therapeutic outcomes.