Application of molecular dynamics simulation in self-assembled cancer nanomedicine

Abstract

Self-assembled nanomedicine holds great potential in cancer theragnostic. The structures and dynamics of nanomedicine can be affected by a variety of non-covalent interactions, so it is essential to ensure the self-assembly process at atomic level. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a key technology to link microcosm and macroscale. Along with the rapid development of computational power and simulation methods, scientists could simulate the specific process of intermolecular interactions. Thus, some experimental observations could be explained at microscopic level and the nanomedicine synthesis process would have traces to follow. This review not only outlines the concept, basic principle, and the parameter setting of MD simulation, but also highlights the recent progress in MD simulation for self-assembled cancer nanomedicine. In addition, the physicochemical parameters of self-assembly structure and interaction between various assembled molecules under MD simulation are also discussed. Therefore, this review will help advanced and novice researchers to quickly zoom in on fundamental information and gather some thought-provoking ideas to advance this subfield of self-assembled cancer nanomedicine.