Virtual combinatorial libraries: dynamic generation of molecular and supramolecular diversity by self-assembly.

Molecular and supramolecular diversity may be generated, respectively, by reversible, covalent or noncovalent self-assembly of basic components whose various potential combinations in number and nature represent a virtual combinatorial library. This concept is applied to the induction of inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase (CA) by reversible recombination of aldehyde and amine components. It is found that the presence of CA favors the formation of those condensation compounds that may be expected to present the strongest binding to the CA active site. The virtual combinatorial library approach may represent a powerful methodology for the discovery of substrates, inhibitors, receptors, catalysts, and carriers for a variety of processes.