Raman Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules

Summary:

Research efforts are underway to probe biological molecules with Raman spectroscopy in three states - crystal, semi-solid, and solution - to illuminate the structural transformations that occur across phases. The optical characterization of biological molecules using vibrational spectroscopy supplies detailed structural information. To observe Raman-active vibrational modes at physiological concentrations, enhancement of the Raman scattering cross-section is often necessary. Enhancement factors of orders of magnitude are achievable through resonance Raman (i.e., matched laser excitation with electronic transition) or surface enhanced Raman, where anisotropic, metallic nanoparticles of silver or gold are placed in close proximity to the molecule, either in solution or on a surface.

Description:

We are studying the low-frequency torsional modes (<200 cm-1) of proteins and polynucleotides. This region of the spectrum is rich with dynamical and structural information. A triple-grating monochromator provides the rejection capabilities necessary for observing these low-frequency vibrations.