Seminars Archive

UV Resonance Raman and SERS Insights into Protein Folding, Metabolites Self-Assembling and Bio-Nanostructures

Abstract
Raman-based spectroscopic methods provide powerful, label-free access to molecular structure and interactions in biological systems. In this seminar, I will present how UV resonance Raman (UVRR) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can be used to follow molecular organization in different biological contexts ranging from protein folding to metabolite self-assembling and formation of bio-metallic nanostructures. The talk will begin with UVRR studies of the refolding of the protein Barstar, highlighting how tryptophan vibrational markers report on conformational changes during folding. I will then discuss recent SERS investigations of tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan self-assembling, revealing molecular signatures and different interactions during ordered aggregation. Finally, I will introduce a stable quatsome-encapsulated plasmonic platform that enables reproducible SERS measurements at a biomembrane-mimicking-silver nanoparticle interface. Together, these examples illustrate how UVRR and SERS provide complementary insights into folding, self-assembly and bio-nanostructured systems.