Drug distribution bilayer model

One of the key parameters for correlating molecular structure and chemical properties with bioavailability has been transcorneal flux or, alternatively, the corneal permeability coefficient. The epithelium has been modeled as a lipid barrier (possibly with a limited number of aqueous pores that, for this physical model, serve as the equivalent of the extracellular space in a more physiological description) and the stroma as an aqueous barrier (Fig. 11). The endothelium is very thin and porous compared with the epithelium [189] and often has been ignored in the analysis, although mathematically it can be included as part of the lipid barrier. Diffusion through bilayer membranes of various structures has been modeled for some time [202] and adapted to ophthalmic applications more recently [203,204]. For a series of molecules of similar size, it was shown that the permeability increases with octa-nol/water distribution (or partition) coefficient until a plateau is reached. Modeling of this type of data has led to the earlier statement that drugs need to be both... 

In summary, quantum mechanics attempts to model the position or distribution of the electrons or bonds, while mtv lecular mechanics attempts to model the positions of the nuclei or atoms. Quantum mechanics calculations are used commonly to generate or verify molecular mechanics parameters. Larger. structures can be studied hy use of molecular mechanics, and with. simulation techniques such as molecular dynamics, the behavior of drugs in solution or even in pas.sage through bilayer membranes can he studied. 

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