Karlsruhe, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Computer-based simulation methods have been used successfully for decades in automotive, aviation and space technology, as well as in the semiconductor industry. They have contributed substantially to enhance product quality, shorten product development cycles and thus apply development expenditures more efficiently. A group of chemists, physicists and engineers at the Institute for Nanotechnology of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT are involved with the transfer of this successful approach to problems within nanotechnology and biotechnology (www.research.kit.edu/biostruct). The nanoscale effects prediction forms a key topic in the area of biophysical simulations. These put the user in a position to analyze the smallest building blocks of life, predicting their interactions based on physical models. Biomolecular simulations can speed up the search for bioactive substances and have, inter alia, significance in the identification of odorous substances, allergens, toxins or drugs. The aim of the Biomolecular Simulation transfer forum is to provide scientists and enterprises with a platform for knowledge exchange in the field of biomolecular simulation. If interested, please contact us at the nanoValley.eu contact office, or the transfer forum spokesperson.

Dipl. Ing. Simon Widmaier
KIT - Institut für Nanotechnologie
Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1
76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen
Tel. +49-721-608 28961
Fax. +49 721-608 28282
simon.widmaier@kit.edu

The simulation solutions developed in Karlsruhe open the prediction of a broad spectrum of interactions of proteins with low-molecular components (sugars, polypeptides, DNA and RNA). Simon Widmaier deals with the simulation of interactions between receptors and ligands in biological systems. Since the interaction between receptors and ligands is carried out in a reproducible manner, it can be simulated accurately by means of biophysical interaction models. These simulations can be used in many fields of applied life sciences: From the pharmaceutical or cosmetic product development up to food and agricultural technology.