The generalized Born (GB) model, one of the implicit solvent models, is widely applied in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as a simple description of the solvation effect. In the GB model, an empirical function called the Still's formula, with the algorithmic simplicity, is utilized to calculate the solvation energy due to the polarization, termed as ΔG pol . Applications of the GB model have exhibited reasonable accuracy and high computational efficiency. However, there is still room for improvements. Most of the attempts to improve the GB model focus on optimizing effective Born radii. Contrarily, limited researches have been performed to improve the feasibility of the Still's formula. In this paper, analytical methods was applied to investigate the validity of the Still's formula at short distance. Taking advantage of the toroidal coordinates and Mehler–Fock transform, the analytical solutions of the GB model at short distances was derived explicitly for the first time. Additionally, the solvation energy was numerically computed using proper algorithms based on the analytical solutions and compared with ΔG pol calculated in the GB model. With the analysis on the deficiencies of the Still's formula at short distances, potential methods to improve the validity of the GB model were discussed.
Examining the Assumptions Underlying Continuum-Solvent Models
