Recent developments in microwave-assisted protein chemistries - can this be integrated into the drug discovery and validation process?

Drug Discov Today. 2008 Dec;13(23-24):1075-81. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2008.08.007. Epub 2008 Nov 7.

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, biotechnology has evolved as a multibillion dollar industry. A large sector of this industry is associated with translating human genetic information to discover, develop and commercialize bio-therapeutics. A broad range of disciplines across the Life Sciences is necessary for the selection of bio-molecules as biotechnological drug targets. Global and targeted proteomic approaches, as well as in-depth characterization of select proteins, are part of the process necessary for drug discovery and validation. Recently, microwave-assisted proteomic methodologies have emerged as useful tools for increasing the bio-catalysis and, therefore, throughput of analytical processes associated with protein characterization. Several microwave-assisted protocols that have become integrated into the drug discovery research process in the biotechnology industry are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Microwaves*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein / methods

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Proteins