Synthetic Multivalent Molecules: Concepts and Biomedical Applications

The first reference devoted solely to multivalent molecules Interest in multivalent molecules has recently increased due to the biomedical applications of multivalent interaction. This interaction, analogous to the process of a zipper closing, occurs with receptor contact at multiple binding sites simultaneously. While conventional drugs are monovalent, a new class of multivalent drugs has the potential to treat a broad range of diseases with improved safety, efficacy, potency, and duration of action. Synthetic Multivalent Molecules: Concepts and Biomedical Applications presents both the basic principles of multivalent interactions and up–to–date coverage of the design concepts, synthesis, and biological activity of multivalent molecules. With a systematic summary of experimentally tested case studies, this clearly written text serves to bring together otherwise scattered research material. Chapters cover multivalent molecules in the context of: Definition and structural elements Mechanistic basis of interaction Biological functions Biological targets in viruses, bacteria, and mammalian cells Methods for synthesis of multivalent molecules Synthetic Multivalent Molecules functions admirably as both a textbook for students and a reference for libraries and professionals. Special features include more than 300 figures and illustrations that show multivalent concepts, molecular design, and chemical synthesis; summaries of all examples in tabular form in an appendix; and an extensive bibliography referencing over 900 citations. Intended for a broad community of audiences made up of educators, advanced students, and professional researchers in academia and industry, Synthetic Multivalent Molecules: Concepts and Biomedical Applications stands as an invaluable, state–of–the–art reference.