Guest Editorial

Abstract

This special issue is a selection of papers from the sessions on Molecular Simulation that were presented at the annual American Institute of Chemical Engineering meeting in Miami Beach, Florida, in November 1992. It reflects the great diversity of research that is now underway using atomic-level computer simulation methods and the progression to simulations of more complex systems. In this issue, for instance, the materials studied range from electrolytes (Chialvo and Cummings) to polymers (Broadbelt, LaMarca, Klein, Andrews and Colter) to precursors to exotic natural gas hydrates (Long and Sloan). The study of solid/fluid interfaces is an emerging theme. Wang and Fichthorn have studied the adsorption of EAM modeled Pt on Pt substrates. Ravi and Murad have produced an interesting new method of studying the adsorption of fluids, here nitrogen in pores. Uttorrnark et al. have studied the kinetics of growth and dissolution processes in solidAiquid systems.     

Guest Editorial

Abstract

It is time that we consider applications of the properties of lipid molecules for other than building grocery bags for carrying therapeutic drugs from the pharmacy to sick cells. Lipids have other functions in the cell besides being components of bilayer-based membranes that separate cellular components. Aside from their role as barriers to diffusion, membranes serve to organize a good deal of cellular chemistry. They also provide lipid molecules that serve to regulate key elements of this chemistry. A great deal of lipid research now focuses on issues related to drug delivery via liposomes. Much of this is published in The Journal of Liposome Research. Is it not time that we “greasers” and this journal point towards lipids as the drugs as well as the drug carriers? The purpose of this brief comment is to review the role of lipids (especially PS) as regulators of cellular chemistry, with special emphasis being placed on the role of PS in regulating blood coagulation.