**Meet the editor**

Dr. Deniz Ekinci obtained a Baccalaureate degree in Chemistry in 2004, a Master degree in Biochemistry in 2006 and a Doctorate degree in Biochemistry in 2009 from Atatürk University, Turkey. He studied at Stetson University, USA, in 2007-2008 and at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany, in 2009- 2010. Dr. Ekinci currently works as an Associate Pro-

fessor of Biochemistry in the Faculty of Agriculture, and is the Head of the Enzyme and Microbial Biotechnology Division, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Turkey. He is a member of Turkish Biochemical Society, American Chemical Society and German Genetics society. Dr. Ekinci published over fifty scientific papers, reviews and book chapters and presented several conferences to scientists. His research interests span enzyme inhibitors, drug design, protein dynamics, toxicology and lipidomics. His recent work has focused on antioxidant and metabolic enzyme systems. He has received numerous publication awards from several scientific councils. Dr. Ekinci serves as the Editor in Chief of three international books and is involved in the Editorial Board of several international journals.

## Contents

#### **Preface XI**

Chapter 1 **Kojic Acid Derivatives 1**  Mutlu D. Aytemir and G. Karakaya


## Preface

Medicinal chemistry is a discipline at the intersection of chemistry, especially synthetic organic chemistry, and pharmacology and various other biological specialties, where they are involved with design, chemical synthesis and development for market of pharmaceutical agents (drugs). Compounds used in medical applications are most often organic compounds, which are often divided into the broad classes of small organic molecules and biologics, the latter of which are most often medicinal preparations of proteins. Inorganic and organometallic compounds are also useful as drugs. In the recent years discovery of specific enzyme inhibitors has received great attention due to their potential to be used in pharmacological applications.

Drug design is the inventive process of finding new medications based on the knowledge of a biological target. A drug is most commonly an organic small molecule that activates or inhibits the function of a biomolecule such as a protein, which in turn results in a therapeutic benefit to the organism. In the most basic sense, drug design involves the design of small molecules that are complementary in shape and charge to the biomolecular target with which they interact and therefore will bind to it. Although extensive research has been performed on medicinal chemistry or drug design for many years, there is still deep need of understanding the interactions of drug candidates with biomolecules.

This book titled "*Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design*" contains a selection of chapters focused on the research area of enzyme inhibitors, molecular aspects of drug metabolism, organic synthesis, prodrug synthesis, *in silico* studies and chemical compounds used in relevant approaches. The book provides an overview on basic issues and some of the recent developments in medicinal science and technology. Particular emphasis is devoted to both theoretical and experimental aspect of modern drug design. The primary target audience for the book includes students, researchers, biologists, chemists, chemical engineers and professionals who are interested in associated areas.

The textbook is written by international scientists with expertise in chemistry, protein biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology and genetics many of which are active in biochemical and biomedical research. I would like to acknowledge the authors for

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their contribution to the book. We hope that the textbook will enhance the knowledge of scientists in the complexities of some medicinal approaches; it will stimulate both professionals and students to dedicate part of their future research in understanding relevant mechanisms and applications.

> **Dr. Deniz Ekinci** Associate Professor of Biochemistry Ondokuz Mays University Turkey

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relevant mechanisms and applications.

their contribution to the book. We hope that the textbook will enhance the knowledge of scientists in the complexities of some medicinal approaches; it will stimulate both professionals and students to dedicate part of their future research in understanding

**Dr. Deniz Ekinci**

Turkey

Associate Professor of Biochemistry

Ondokuz Mays University
