Proteins at interfaces probed by chiral vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy

J Phys Chem B. 2015 Feb 19;119(7):2769-85. doi: 10.1021/jp508926e. Epub 2015 Jan 21.

Abstract

Characterizations of protein structures at interfaces are important in solving an array of fundamental and engineering problems, including understanding transmembrane signal transduction and molecular transport processes and development of biomaterials to meet the needs of biomedical and energy research. However, in situ and real-time characterization of protein secondary structures is challenging because it requires physical methods that are selective to both interface and secondary structures. Here, we summarize recent experimental developments in our laboratory of chiral vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG) for analyzing protein structures at interfaces. We showed that chiral SFG provides vibrational optical signatures of the peptide N-H stretch and amide I modes that can distinguish various protein secondary structures. Using these signatures, we further applied chiral SFG to probe orientations and folding kinetics of proteins at interfaces. Our results show that chiral SFG is a background-free, label-free, in situ, and real-time vibrational method for studying proteins at interfaces. This recent progress demonstrates the potential of chiral SFG in solving problems related to proteins and other chiral biopolymers at interfaces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Rats
  • Rhodopsin / chemistry
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*
  • Surface Properties
  • Time Factors
  • Vibration
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Solvents
  • Water
  • Rhodopsin