The utility of nonsupport-bound synthetic combinatorial libraries (SCLs; i.e., those that are not attached to a solid support) is due to their ability to be readily used in virtually any assay system that involves not only soluble receptors but also membrane-bound receptors and whole-cell organisms. This last application is illustrated here by the screening of soluble, nonsupport-bound SCLs composed of peptides or peptidomimetics for their ability to inhibit bacterial and vital cell growth. The same SCLs have also been tested in the presence of erythrocyte cells for their ability to inhibit known cytolytic compounds.
