Chemistry, often referred to as the central science, is critical to a fundamental understanding of the world around us. Chemical concepts have traditionally been central to the canonical sciences (i.e., biology, physics, and geology). As a chemist, it is gratifying to see the importance of chemistry continue in newer disciplines as well (i.e., materials science, forensics, astrobiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmacology, and atmospheric science). Chemistry Central Journal ambitiously aims to cover this rich diversity within modern chemical research. A quick perusal of the over fifty different subsections included within the journal reinforces this point. Moreover, many of these subsections are varied and interdisciplinary in their own right. This is especially true when considering biomacromolecular research.
Current biomacromolecular research is synonymous with physics, biology, and chemistry - clearly, a proper understanding of the physiochemical properties of these large molecules and how they function within the cell requires molecular-level insight. From a more practical point-of-view, figuring out ways to harness their plasticity is being vigorously pursued within electrical and nanoengineering, polymer science, and biotechnology. In order to parallel this breadth, the biomacromolecules section will be as inclusive as possible by featuring reports with both fundamental science and more applied points of view. For example, a sampling of the research topics that are appropriate includes:
• Bioenergetics
• Biomacromolecular function
• Biomaterials and biocatalysts
• Biomedical applications (biosensors, drug delivery devices, etc.)
• Biomimicry and molecular design
• Crowding and other in vivo effects
• Folding (experiment and theory)
• Molecular recognition and biomacromolecular assembly
• Physical chemistry of biological macromolecules
• Proteomics
• Single molecule studies
• Structural biology
In this inaugural commentary, I try to set the stage for this Gestalt view of biomacromolecular research by briefly highlighting examples of important issues in the overlap between biomacromolecules and several other topical research areas. In each of the exemplar discussions, key aspects of biomacromolecular research occur at the intersection of multiple scientific paradigms. While it is impossible to identify all research avenues that overlap with biomacromolecules in such a short commentary, hopefully a common interdisciplinary spirit is conveyed.