Ultrafast Dynamics of Phospholipid-Water Interfaces - Studied by Nonlinear Time-Resolved Vibrational Spectroscopy

This thesis presents a highly innovative study of the ultrafast structural and vibrational dynamics of hydrated phospholipids, the basic constituents of cell membranes. As a novel approach to the water-phospholipid interface, the author studies phosphate vibrations using the most advanced methods of nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy, including femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. He shows for the first time that the structure of interfacial water undergoes very limited fluctuations on a 300 fs time scale and that the lifetimes of hydrogen bonds with the phospholipid are typically longer than 10 ps. Such properties originate from the steric hindrance of water fluctuations at the interface and the orienting action of strong electric fields from the phospholipid head group dipoles. In an extensive series of additional experiments, the vibrational lifetimes of the different vibrations and the processes of energy dissipation are elucidated in detail.

List of contents

Introduction.- Vibrational Spectroscopy.- Ultrafast Vibrational Dynamics of Phospholipid Hydration Sites.- Ultrafast Vibrational Dynamics of Phospholipid Hydration Shells.- Conclusions.- Appendix: Experimental Pulse Parameters.

Summary

This thesis presents a highly innovative study of the ultrafast structural and vibrational dynamics of hydrated phospholipids, the basic constituents of cell membranes. As a novel approach to the water-phospholipid interface, the author studies phosphate vibrations using the most advanced methods of nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy, including femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. He shows for the first time that the structure of interfacial water undergoes very limited fluctuations on a 300 fs time scale and that the lifetimes of hydrogen bonds with the phospholipid are typically longer than 10 ps. Such properties originate from the steric hindrance of water fluctuations at the interface and the orienting action of strong electric fields from the phospholipid head group dipoles. In an extensive series of additional experiments, the vibrational lifetimes of the different vibrations and the processes of energy dissipation are elucidated in detail.

Product details

• Authors: René Costard
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2016
• EAN: 9783319373720
• ISBN: 978-3-31-937372-0
• No. of pages: 103
• Dimensions: 155 mm x 6 mm x 235 mm
• Weight: 191 g
• Illustrations: X, 103 p. 42 illus., 6 illus. in color.
• Series: Springer Theses; Springer Theses
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Biochemistry, biophysics; B, Microscopy, spectroscopy, Spectroscopy and Microscopy, Cellular biology (cytology), Nuclear physics, Physics and Astronomy, Physical Chemistry, Spectrum analysis, spectrochemistry, mass spectrometry, Scientific equipment, experiments & techniques, Medical physics, Biophysics, Atomic structure, Molecular structure, Atomic/Molecular Structure and Spectra, Atomic and Molecular Structure and Properties, Biological physics, Biological and Medical Physics, Biophysics, Membrane Biology, Cell membranes, Membrane Trafficking