A compound library is defined as a collection of individual chemicals (of synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural origin), each associated with information such as chemical structure, purity, quantity, and physiochemical characteristics.
Compound libraries are primarily employed in high-throughput screening to explore a diverse chemical space, enhancing the likelihood of identifying compounds that exhibit the desired interactions or effects, such as functional inhibition of a specific molecular target, in biological assays. In antimicrobial drug discovery, some common screens include cell growth inhibition, enzyme inhibition, membrane permeability and efflux pump inhibition assays.
Researchers typically access compound libraries through various means:
- Purchased Libraries: Many laboratories acquire compound libraries by purchasing them from commercial suppliers. These libraries come in different sizes and focus areas (e.g., diversity, targeted, fragment, covalent, natural product libraries).
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Scientists often collaborate with other research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or academic partners to gain access to proprietary or private compound libraries.
- In-House Synthesis: Some researchers synthesize their own compounds in-house. They design and synthesize novel molecules tailored to specific research needs.