Free Energy Calculations by the Molecular Mechanics Poisson−Boltzmann Surface Area Method

Detailed knowledge of how molecules recognize interaction partners and of the conformational preferences of biomacromolecules is pivotal for understanding biochemical processes. Such knowledge also provides the foundation for the design of novel molecules, as undertaken in pharmaceutical research. Computer-based free energy calculations enable a detailed investigation of the energetic factors that are responsible for molecular stability or binding affinity. The Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) approach is an efficient method for the calculation of free energies of diverse molecular systems. Here we describe the concepts of this approach and outline the practical proceeding.…