Biomimetic membranes: Effective tool for understanding the drug biomembrane thermodynamic interactions - A review

Abstract

Variety of bio membranes are present in human body, and they perform various functions ranging from protecting tissues and cells from foreign molecules, selecting the cellular penetration of compounds with biochemical or physiological role, communication, exchange of information between the extra and intracellular environment etc. Pathological alterations in the structure or functions of bio membranes often leads to many diseases. When a drug molecule is administered in the body it rapidly meets many of these bio membranes, from the circulating macrophage cells to the vessel endothelium, to the more complex blood brain or blood-retinal barriers. Drug distribution in the body is largely affected in terms of time and concentration. The interactions have reciprocal results, the biomolecule has the capability to alter the structure and function of the membrane, like permeability, charge potential, fluidity, and so on; on the other hand, the structure and properties of the biomolecule are also affected by interaction with the membrane components. Molecule may suffer changes in terms of stereochemistry, molecular conformation, time of onset, and biological activity Enhanced insight into the structure through bio membrane models is necessary for the study of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug, which may lead into the development of new more effective drug candidates as well the efficacy profile of existing ones can also be improved. Natural bio membranes are complex structures presenting cross connections and complex functionalities. Artificial bio mimetic membrane systems simulate bio membrane and help in understanding the drug membrane interactions, drug activity and toxicity profiles. Thermodynamic studies pharmacodynamics as well as pharmacokinetics can be easily studied through simulative in silico and in vitro studies on bio membrane mimetic models. Drug bio membrane interactions put forward some important questions, which need to be answered more seriously what exactly happens at the interface of drug bio membrane? Study of thermodynamic and kinetic events occurring at Drug membrane interface will try to solve this puzzle. What is the exact mechanism guiding ADME? Study of partitioning and binding behavior in silico and in vitro will try to answer the questionWhy the active drug agent is unable to cause the desired changes? Is it possible to make some changes in the structure of drug molecule that may lead to more enhanced efficacy profile or less resistance to drug molecule? DFT calculations will help to solve the question. Present review article focuses on these issues from the chemical perspective and try to answer these questions through various methods available to synthesize Biomimetic membranes.