Researchers from Germany’s Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) have devised a novel technique to study individual proteins. A comprehensive understanding of protein dynamics is essential to study related molecular level biological processes. Normally, proteins are fluorescent-labeled for diagnosis; however this labeling may alter the protein structure hence impacting the biological processes that need to be studied.
The research was headed by Carsten Sönnichsen, a Professor at the Institute of Physical Chemistry in JGU. The researchers used gold nanoparticles, which behave like shining nanoantennas, which when they identify single unlabeled proteins show a slight color change or frequency change. The observation of these minute color changes is possible using the novel technique. The protein dynamics can be accurately observed at the millisecond level.
Dr. Carsten Sönnichsen stated that the technique enables real-time observation of each protein without initially labeling them. He added that the team has achieved a high time resolution for observing individual protein molecules.
The method of identifying individual proteins has opened up many possibilities including observation of real-time protein adsorption processes and tracking the protein population density variations.
One of the members in Sönnichsen's team, Dr. Irene Ament described that using the method, movement of molecules, docking at specific areas and folding of proteins can be observed. The method finds applications not just in Chemistry but also in Biology and Medicine.
An ERC Starting grant was offered for the project “Single metal nanoparticles as molecular sensors" (SINGLESENS) among other funding sources.
The project plays a vital role in molecular level non-equilibrium phenomenal research. Therefore offers a firm foundation for Cluster of Excellence Molecularly Controlled Non-Equilibrium (MCNE), which is chosen for the Excellence Initiative final round conducted by state governments and German federal for promoting research.
Source: http://www.uni-mainz.de/