solutebinding
Solutebinding is the reversible association of a solute with a binding partner in a solution, forming a bound complex. This phenomenon is central to biochemistry, coordination chemistry, and environmental science. It encompasses interactions between ions, small molecules, and larger macromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids.
Binding processes are usually described by equilibrium concepts: S + P ⇌ SP, with association constant Ka = [SP]/([S][P])
Thermodynamics relate binding free energy ΔG to Ka by ΔG = -RT ln Ka, and to enthalpy ΔH
Binding is influenced by solvent properties (dielectric constant, hydrogen bonding), pH, ionic strength, competition from other
Experimental methods include isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), equilibrium dialysis, and spectroscopic techniques
Solutebinding has broad applications, including enzyme–substrate recognition, ligand–receptor interactions, metal–ligand coordination, drug design, and environmental binding