ISBN 978-3-8439-1835-0

978-3-8439-1835-0, Reihe Biophysik

Martin Wolf
The Dynamics of Proteins, Water and their Interactions - A Dielectric Study

209 Seiten, Dissertation Universität Augsburg (2013), Softcover, B5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

Using broadband dielectric spectroscopy, this work investigates the temperature-dependent dynamics of globular proteins and their natural environment water. Moreover, the exceptionally important interactions between those materials are studied.

Measurements on pure water, a glycerol/water mixture, and different LiCl/water solutions give insight into the dynamics of water and its suggested fragile-to-strong transition within the temperature range of the so-called “No Man’s Land” (T=160-235 K). In addition, a completely new interpretation of water’s fast relaxation process in the THz regime is provided.

A thorough investigation of the model protein lysozyme and various other proteins in aqueous solution yields a comprehensive picture of protein-solution dynamics. A new approach is the dielectric characterization of protein solutions below the freezing point of water. By this study in-depth information on the protein hydration shell, the so-called “Dynamical Transition”, and its relation to the fragile-to-strong transition of water is obtained. Additional measurements on hydrated protein powders underline the strong interactions of proteins with water and complete the picture of their dynamics.