Receptor Surface Models in the Classroom: Introducing Molecular Modeling to Students in a 3-D World

In this study we propose a novel method of teaching interactions of drugs with a receptor, enzyme, or any other macromolecule or protein using plastic molecular models and aluminum foil. In the university setting, computer modeling software or textbooks are often used in this regard, but many students have difficulty interpreting the three dimensionality of drug–macromolecule interaction from these sources. By introducing a receptor surface model (RSM) for a small congeneric series of blood–brain barrier choline transporter (BBB-ChT) substrates as an example, students are able to investigate concepts such as steric interaction and hydrogen-bond interactions that are important concepts in medicinal chemistry and drug design.