This work introduces a continuous smooth permittivity function into Poisson
-Boltzmann techniques for continuum approaches to modeling the solvation of
small molecules and proteins. The permittivity function is derived using a
Gaussian method to describe volume exclusion. The new method allows a rigo
rous determination of solvent forces within a grid-based technology. The ge
nerality of approach is demonstrated by considering a range of applications
for small molecules and macromolecules. We also present a very complete st
atistical analysis of grid errors, and show that the accuracy of our Gaussi
an-based method is improved over standard techniques. The method has been i
mplemented in a new code called ZAP, which is freely available to academic
institutions.(1) (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.