Title : Understanding drug transport in plasma: The role of protein binding
Abstract:
Understanding drug transport in plasma is pivotal to optimizing therapeutic outcomes, as it governs drug distribution, efficacy, and clearance. A key factor in this process is protein binding, where drugs reversibly interact with plasma proteins such as albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. These interactions regulate the free (unbound) drug fraction, which directly correlates with pharmacological activity. Highly bound drugs exhibit restricted tissue distribution and slower clearance, while those with low binding are more freely available for metabolism and excretion. Protein binding is dynamic, influenced by factors such as endogenous compounds, and drug-drug interactions, often leading to variability in clinical responses. Advances in analytical methods and computational modeling now offer deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying these interactions, enabling improved prediction of pharmacokinetic behaviors and drug efficacy. This study focuses on elucidating the interactions between a range of drug molecules and albumin, the principal transport protein in plasma, through the combined application of computational modeling and spectroscopic techniques.
