Ligand design is a research area in the field of chemistry and molecular biology that focuses on developing molecules called ligands that can selectively bind to a target molecule, such as a receptor or protein. These ligands are designed to interact with the target molecule in a specific way, either blocking or enhancing its function. The goal of ligand design is to create molecules that can be used for various purposes, including drug development, materials science, and environmental sensing. By designing ligands that can bind to specific targets with high affinity and selectivity, researchers can potentially develop new therapies for diseases, improve the performance of materials, and create sensors for detecting pollutants or other substances. Ligand design often involves a combination of computational modeling, chemical synthesis, and experimental testing to optimize the properties of the ligand for its intended application. This research area is interdisciplinary, drawing on concepts from chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and materials science to create molecules with tailored properties for specific applications.