Searching for Molecular Solutions: Empirical Discovery and Its Future

A comprehensive look at empirical approaches to molecular discovery, their relationships with rational design, and the future of both

Empirical methods of discovery, along with serendipitous and rational design approaches, have played an important role in human history. Searching for Molecular Solutions compares empirical discovery strategies for biologically useful molecules with serendipitous discovery and rational design, while also considering the strengths and limitations of empirical pathways to molecular discovery.

Logically arranged, this text examines the different modes of molecular discovery, empha-sizing the historical and ongoing importance of empirical strategies. Along with a broad overview of the subject matter, Searching for Molecular Solutions explores:

• The differing modes of molecular discovery
• Biological precedents for evolutionary approaches
• Directed evolutionary methods and related areas
• Enzyme evolution and design
• Functional nucleic acid discovery
• Antibodies and other recognition molecules
• General aspects of molecular recognition
• Small molecule discovery approaches
• Rational molecular design
• The interplay between empirical and rational strategies and their ongoing roles in the future of molecular discovery

Searching for Molecular Solutions covers several major areas of modern research, development, and practical applications of molecular sciences. This text offers empirical-rational principles of broad relevance to scientists, professionals, and students interested in general aspects of molecular discovery, as well as the thought processes behind experimental approaches.