Understanding water-membrane interactions is a fundamental issue in biophysics since these interactions are at the basis of many key molecular processes occurring in membranes. The hydrogen-bond network of water molecules is highly dynamic and its dynamical structure influences membrane fluidity and proton transport across membranes. We investigate the dynamics of water hydrogen-bonds network in model membranes using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy in the TeraHertz range. This frequency interval is suitable for obtaining information on the collective low-energy modes of the hydrogen-bond network of water molecules. In this paper we review the technique and present some preliminary experimental results.
TeraHertz Dielectric Relaxation of Biological Water Confined in Model Membranes made of Lyotropic Phospholipids
Paparo Domenico;
2009
Abstract
Understanding water-membrane interactions is a fundamental issue in biophysics since these interactions are at the basis of many key molecular processes occurring in membranes. The hydrogen-bond network of water molecules is highly dynamic and its dynamical structure influences membrane fluidity and proton transport across membranes. We investigate the dynamics of water hydrogen-bonds network in model membranes using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy in the TeraHertz range. This frequency interval is suitable for obtaining information on the collective low-energy modes of the hydrogen-bond network of water molecules. In this paper we review the technique and present some preliminary experimental results.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.