二维相关红外光谱研究再生蚕丝蛋白膜的构象与温度之间的关系

通过二维相关红外光谱，研究了再生蚕丝蛋白膜的构象及其转变与温度之间的关系．实验结果表明，将样品从130℃升温到220℃、或在180℃的恒温过程中，丝素蛋白分子链的构象会发生变化，且不同构象对温度升高过程或180℃恒温过程响应的顺序是无规线团变化先于β-折叠、α-螺旋的形成．     

无规聚丙烯腈纤维热处理过程相转变行为的同步辐射研究

使用在线同步辐射广角X射线衍射(WAXD)和原位变温傅里叶红外(FTIR)研究了无规聚丙烯腈(at-PAN)纤维热处理过程中晶区的相转变行为.研究发现,WAXD图像中由(110)晶面衍射形成的衍射弧在加热过程中其q值随温度的变化速率不完全一致,在110℃存在突变点,此温度下晶区的热膨胀率从4.15×10-4nm/K(α1)突变为1.13×10-3nm/K(α2),同时DSC曲线在110℃附近出现放热峰,说明发生了晶胞结构转变.通过升温FTIR测试发现1230 cm-1和1250 cm-1处吸收峰的相对强度随热处理过程也发生变化,两峰峰强分别对应纤维中31螺旋构象与平面锯齿构象的相对含量,通过C=I1250/I1230与热处理温度的关系发现C值在110℃突然急剧减小,说明at-PAN纤维晶区分子链在110℃附近发生了平面锯齿构象向31螺旋构象的剧烈转变,而正是由于这种转变导致晶区层间距的变化使得WAXD图像中衍射弧的位置随温度变化速率不一致,即相转变行为是由分子链构象的变化引起的.     

原位傅里叶变换红外光谱跟踪等规聚丙烯在升温过程中的构象变化

自从 Natta[1]首次成功合成高分子量的等规聚丙烯 (i PP)以来 ,红外光谱就被广泛地应用于 i PP的组成和结构的表征[2～ 13] .1 988年 ,Hendra等[3] 采用逐步升温方法 ,静态观察 i PP红外光谱的构象规整谱带随温度的变化 ,发现当温度高于 1 35℃时 ,i PP分子链的活动性增加 ,样品的凝聚态结构发生了明显的变化 .然而 ,他们却未能找出产生这一现象的直接原因 .本文利用快速升温傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)在线跟踪 i PP大分子在升温过程中的分子构象变化 ,并结合其它实验手段 ,阐明了上述现象来源于 i PP非晶区螺旋序列的无序化 .1　实…     

抗坏血酸升温氧化过程的二维相关红外光谱分析

采用傅里叶变换红外光谱法 (FTIR)和二维相关分析 (2DCorrelationAnalysis)技术研究了固态抗坏血酸在 2 0℃～ 1 60℃的升温氧化过程。结果表明 :抗坏血酸随着温度升高的红外光谱的特征峰在一维图上变化不明显。借助于二维相关分析 ,不仅提高了谱图的分辨率 ,将一维红外谱图上 1 674cm- 1 处的单峰分解为两个自相关峰 ,显示了抗坏血酸的互变异构体中酮式结构的CO基团和醇式结构的CC基团的振动 ;还揭示了分子内各官能团之间的相互作用 ,反映了在升温氧化过程中这些基团之间的协同关系和变化的先后顺序。抗坏血酸分子中CO、CC和COC基团发生了相互作用 ,其变化的顺序是CC先于COC发生偶极矩的变化 ,最后是CO发生变化 ,此现象与抗坏血酸的氧化反应机理相一致。总之 ,二维相关红外分析可以作为研究抗坏血酸升温氧化过程中结构动态变化的一种新方法 ,也为抗坏血酸在氧化过程中的机理研究提供了一个重要的理论依据。     

变温红外法研究聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯分子链的松弛运动及其构象转变

在30～170℃范围内逐渐升温过程中,用红外光谱仪原位检测无定形聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯(PET)薄膜红外光谱图的变化情况.通过特征谱带吸光度与温度的变化特点,研究了PET分子链在热变化过程中的松弛运动及冷结晶过程中分子链的构象变化.实验结果表明在冷结晶过程中,随PET结晶的不断完善,对应左右式(gauche)构象的吸收峰减弱,对应反式(trans)构象的吸收峰增强,并计算出CH2面外摇摆振动结晶前和结晶后反式构象和左右式构象的相对百分含量随温度的变化关系,以及玻璃化转变和冷结晶的温区范围.     

变温傅里叶红外光谱技术研究硬脂酸C-H伸缩振动

采用傅里叶红外光谱技术研究了温度对于硬脂酸C-H伸缩振动、分子脂肪链构象改变和分子间作用力的影响。运用变温红外技术在293~393K范围内,分别测定了硬脂酸C-H的一维红外光谱、二阶导数红外光谱、四阶导数红外光谱和去卷积红外光谱。结果表明:1在293~333K范围内,一维红外光谱中2 965,2 870cm-1附近的弱吸收谱带分别归属于甲基的不对称伸缩振动模式νas(-CH3)和对称伸缩振动模式νs(-CH3),相应的导数光谱及去卷积红外光谱能提高一维红外谱的分辨率;2在293~333K范围内,硬脂酸脂肪链处于全反式构象,在348~353K范围内,硬脂酸分子脂肪链构象由全反式构象向无序构象转变;3随着测量温度的升高,硬脂酸分子间的作用力不断降低。     

取向态聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯膜热弛豫过程的偏振红外光谱研究

用升温在位偏振红外光谱测量方法，研究了不同取向态的聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯（ＰＥＴ）膜在热弛豫过程中的尺寸变化以及分子链构象和取向的变化．结果说明，ＰＥＴ小尺度取向链段的热弛豫较大尺度取向分子链的热弛豫在较低的温度下发生，取向ＰＥＴ膜的热收缩主要与分子链大尺度取向的弛豫有关，而其后的自发伸长是结晶过程引起的，分子链的取向程度对结晶伸长的幅度有着重要影响．     

尼龙6升温过程的二维红外相关分析研究

通过二维红外相关分析来研究尼龙6在25～200℃范围内酰胺氢键和碳氢链段的结构变化．结果证明，尼龙6中酰胺氢键的吸收峰和主链上亚甲基的伸缩振动对于温度变化所导致的结构变化是十分敏感的，因此可以通过对二维红外相关谱图的分析，确定尼龙6在升温过程中酰胺氢键的解离和碳氢链段结构变化的先后顺序．     

纳米TiO2对丝素蛋白膜构象转变的影响

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备纳米TiO2复合丝素膜,并用原子力显微镜、一维红外光谱、二维红外相关光谱对纯丝素膜及复合丝素膜进行了研究。结果表明:纳米TiO2均匀地分散在丝素膜中;纳米粒子与丝素形成了分子间氢键,导致丝素分子的重排;丝素分子链的构象发生了转变,变化顺序是无规线团先于β-折叠、α-螺旋的形成。     

利用红外光谱和窗口因子分析研究加热导致的牛血清白蛋白的二级结构变化

用红外光谱和窗口因子分析(WFA)对加热导致的D2O中牛血清白蛋白(BSA)的二级结构变化进行了研究. 常规光谱分析和WFA的结果表明, BSA的结构变化开始于56 ℃, 而二级结构的剧烈变化发生在68~82 ℃, 与α-螺旋片断相连的短链变化发生的温度比其它二级结构变化的发生温度低10 ℃左右. 研究结果表明, WFA在解析溶液里蛋白质的温度相关红外光谱中起重大作用.     

FTIR studies of collagen model peptides: complementary experimental and simulation approaches to conformation and unfolding

X-ray crystallography of collagen model peptides has provided high-resolution structures of the basic triple-helical conformation and its water-mediated hydration network. Vibrational spectroscopy provides a useful bridge for transferring the structural information from X-ray diffraction to collagen in its native environment. The vibrational mode most useful for this purpose is the amide I mode (mostly peptide bond C=O stretch) near 1650 cm-1. The current study refines and extends the range of utility of a novel simulation method that accurately predicts the infrared (IR) amide I spectral contour from the three-dimensional structure of a protein or peptide. The approach is demonstrated through accurate simulation of the experimental amide I contour in solution for both a standard triple helix, (Pro-Pro-Gly)10, and a second peptide with a Gly --> Ala substitution in the middle of the chain that models the effect of a mutation in the native collagen sequence. Monitoring the major amide I peak as a function of temperature gives sharp thermal transitions for both peptides, similar to those obtained by circular dichroism spectroscopy, and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the unfolded states were compared with polyproline II. The simulation studies were extended to model early stages of thermal denaturation of (Pro-Pro-Gly)10. Dihedral angle changes suggested by molecular dynamics simulations were made in a stepwise fashion to generate peptide unwinding from each end, which emulates the effect of increasing temperature. Simulated bands from these new structures were then compared to the experimental bands obtained as temperature was increased. The similarity between the simulated and experimental IR spectra lends credence to the simulation method and paves the way for a variety of applications.     

EFFECT OF TACTICITY OF PMMA ON CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF POLY VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to study the effect of tacticityof PMMA on β phase formation of poly vinylidene fluoride (PVF_2) during quenching process.For pure PVF_2, quenching at lower temperature results in the formation of β phase crystallites.The critical quenching temperature for β phase formation is about 30℃. Adding a given amountof PMMA (30%) results in the increase of the critical quenching temperature. For the blends ofPVF_2 with atactic PMMA (a-PMMA), the critical quenching temperature is about 45℃, whilefor the blends with syndiotactic PMMA (s-PMMA), attains to about 70℃.     

Two-dimensional correlation analysis useful for spectroscopy, chromatography, and other analytical measurements.

Application of generalized two-dimensional (2D) correlation in various analytical fields is explored. 2D correlation is a powerful and versatile technique applicable to spectroscopy, chromatography, and other measurements. Construction of 2D spectra is relatively straightforward, requiring only a series of systematically varying analytical signals, like spectra or chromatograms, induced by an external perturbation applied to the system of interest. Perturbation can take many different forms, like change in temperature, pressure or concentration, chemical reactions, electrical or mechanical stimuli, and so on. A set of analytical signals collected under a perturbation are then converted to 2D correlation spectra, which provide rich and useful information about the presence of coordinated or independent changes among signals, as well as relative directions and sequential order of signal intensity variations. The signal resolution is also enhanced by spreading overlapped bands along the second dimension. Illustrative examples of 2D correlation are given for spectroscopic and chromatographic applications.     

Spectral insights into microdynamics of thermoresponsive polymers from the perspective of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy

Generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) and its derivate technique,perturbation correlation moving window (PCMW),have found great potential in studying a series of physico-chemical phenomena in stimuli-responsive polymeric systems.By spreading peaks along a second dimension,2DCOS can significantly enhance spectral resolution and discern the sequence of group dynamics applicable to various external perturbation-induced spectroscopic changes,especially in infrared (IR),near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy.On the basis of 2DCOS synchronous power spectra changing,PCMW proves to be a powerful tool to monitor complicated spectral variations and to find transition points and ranges.This article reviews the recent work of our research group in the application of 2DCOS and PCMW in thermoresponsive polymers,mainly focused on liquid crystalline polymers and lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type polymers.Details of group motions and chain conformational changes upon temperature perturbation can thus be elucidated at the molecular level,which contribute to the understanding of their phase transition nature.     

Moving-window two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy study on structural variations of partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol)

In the present study, the molecular chain changes and structural transitions of partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) having a 12 mol% acetate unit were analyzed by moving-window two-dimensional (MW2D) correlation infrared spectroscopy combined with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show the glass-transition temperature (T _g ) of PVA is clearly distinguished by MW2D correlation infrared spectroscopy, and the acetate groups start to be eliminated around the melting temperature, whereas the free water molecules in PVA are eliminated above T _g. The correlation movements of the O–H stretching modes, including the free hydroxyl groups and the hydrogen bonds, are clearly determined using MW2D correlation infrared spectroscopy. The spectral variations in the C=O stretching region caused by the elimination of the acetate unit from polymer chains are also discussed on the basis of the results of the MW2D correlation analysis. Such results cannot be obtained by traditional infrared spectroscopy owing to the complex overlapping peaks.

Deduction of structural information of interfacial proteins by combined vibrational spectroscopic methods

We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that the combination of vibrational spectroscopic techniques on samples can be used to deduce more detailed structural information of interfacial proteins and peptides. Such an approach can be used to elucidate structures of proteins or peptides at interfaces, such as at the solid/liquid interface or in cell membranes. We also discuss that the controlled perturbations may provide more measured parameters for structural studies on such proteins and peptides. In this paper, we will demonstrate that optical spectroscopic techniques such as polarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, and higher order nonlinear vibrational spectroscopies can be used to deduce different and complementary structural information of molecules at interfaces (e.g., orientation information of certain functional groups and secondary structures of interfacial proteins). Also, we believe that controlled perturbations on samples, such as variation of sample temperature, application of electrical fields, and alternation of substrate roughness, can provide more detailed information regarding the interfacial structures of proteins and peptides. The development of nonlinear vibrational spectroscopies, such as SFG and four-wave mixing vibrational spectroscopy, to examine interfacial protein and peptide structures, and introduction of external perturbations on samples should be able to substantially advance our knowledge in understanding structures and thus functions of proteins and peptides at interfaces.     

Spectroscopic properties of Carcinus aestuarii hemocyanin and its structural subunits

Hemocyanin (Hc) of Carcinus aestuarii contains three major and one minor electrophoretically separable polypeptide chains which were purified by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) ion exchange chromatography. N-terminal amino acid sequences of four structural subunits (SSs) from C. aestuarii were compared with known N-terminal sequences from other arthropodan hemocyanins. The conformational changes, induced by various treatments, were monitored by far UV, CD and fluorescence spectroscopy. The critical temperatures for the structural subunits, Tc, determined by fluorescence spectroscopy, are in the region of 52-59 degrees C and coincide with the melting temperatures, Tm (49-55 degrees C), determined by CD spectroscopy. The free energy of stabilization in water, delta GDH2O, toward guanidinium hydrochloride is about 1.3 times higher for the dodecameric Hc as compared to the isolated subunits and about one time higher for Cal, comparing with other SSs. The studies reveal that the conformational stability of the native dodecamer towards various denaturants (temperature and guanidinium hydrochloride) indicate that the quaternary structure is stabilized by oligomerization between structural subunits, and the possibility of a structural role of the sugar mojeties cannot be excluded.     

Cosolvent and Crowding Effects on the Temperature- and Pressure-Dependent Dissociation Process of the α/β-Tubulin Heterodimer

Tubulin is one of the main components of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells. The formation of microtubules depends strongly on environmental and solution conditions, and has been found to be among the most pressure sensitive processes in vivo. We explored the effects of different types of cosolvents, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), sucrose and urea, and crowding agents to mimic cell-like conditions, on the temperature and pressure stability of the building block of microtubules, i. e. the α/β-tubulin heterodimer. To this end, fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning and pressure perturbation calorimetry as well as fluorescence anisotropy and correlation spectroscopies were applied. The pressure and temperature of dissociation of α/β-tubulin as well as the underlying thermodynamic parameters upon dissociation, such as volume and enthalpy changes, have been determined for the different solution conditions. The temperature and pressure of dissociation of the α/β-tubulin heterodimer and hence its stability increases dramatically in the presence of TMAO and the nanocrowder sucrose. We show that by adjusting the levels of compatible cosolutes and crowders, cells are able to withstand deteriorating effects of pressure even up to the kbar-range.     

Real time observation of proteolysis with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-circular dichroism spectroscopy: watching a protease eat a protein

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)- and UV-circular dichroism (UV-CD) spectroscopy have been used to study real-time proteolytic digestion of β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and β-casein (β-CN) by trypsin at various substrate/enzyme ratios in D(2)O-buffer at 37°C. Both techniques confirm that protein substrate looses its secondary structure upon conversion to the peptide fragments. This perturbation alters the backbone of the protein chain resulting in conformational changes and degrading of the intact protein. Precisely, the most significant spectral changes which arise from digestion take place in the amide I and amide II regions. The FT-IR spectra for the degraded β-LG show a decrease around 1634 cm(-1), suggesting a decrease of β-sheet structure in the course of hydrolysis. Similarly, the intensity around the 1654 cm(-1) band decreases for β-CN digested by trypsin, indicating a reduction in the α-helical part. On the other hand, the intensity around ～1594 cm(-1) and ～1406 cm(-1) increases upon enzymatic breakdown of both substrates, suggesting an increase in the antisymmetric and symmetric stretching modes of free carboxylates, respectively, as released digestion products. Observation of further H/D exchange in the course of digestion manifests the structural opening of the buried groups and accessibility to the core of the substrate. On the basis of the UV-CD spectra recorded for β-LG and β-CN digested by trypsin, the unordered structure increases concomitant with a decrease in the remaining structure, thus, revealing breakdown of the intact protein into smaller fragments. This model study in a closed reaction system may serve as a basis for the much more complex digestion processes in an open reaction system such as the stomach.     

The implication of chemical extraction treatments on the cell wall nanostructure of softwood

Spruce wood was subjected to well-defined extraction treatments with sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) for delignification, as well as with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at different concentrations for extraction of hemicelluloses. The corresponding changes of the macromolecular polymer assembly were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Measurements with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and wide-angle scattering (WAXS) gave qualitative information about the effectiveness of the extraction process, while the scattering experiments provided information about the regularity and typical dimensions of the molecular structures. The scattering data indicated that delignification had only a moderate effect on the structural organisation of the cell wall, while further extraction with NaOH induced considerable nanostructural changes.