Dual-topology/dual-coordinate free-energy simulation using QM/MM force field

We have developed a dual-topology/dual-coordinate free-energy simulation method for use with a QM/MM force field. By combining two parallel processes into one alchemical process, we are able to compute the double free-energy difference (Delta Delta F) within a single simulation, which eliminates half of the expensive quantum-mechanical simulation in general. The method has been tested in computing the solvation free-energy differences of several molecular pairs and shows close agreement with experimental results. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.