Node 6: X-ray and neutron diffraction studies in crystallography

High precision protein crystallography has revolutionised the process of rational drug design and discovery. In the local context, the best known example of this is the development of the anti-viral agent Relenza, based on the detailed crystal structure of the influenza virus and the subsequent identification of small-molecule anti-viral molecules guided by electronic and structural properties.

Australia has an active crystallographic community, especially in dedicated biochemical research establishments and the CSIRO.

Research in this area is concentrated in two areas. Macromolecular crystallography determined the structural characteristics of biological molecules, and in particular proteins, with the aim of establishing the critical parameters that determine their biological function

In small molecule crystallography, the main area of application is to the determination of the structural parameters of the molecules that react with macromolecule, mediating their biological activity and physical properties.