IR spectroscopy of protonated leu-enkephalin and its 18-crown-6 complex embedded in helium droplets

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2015 Sep 14;17(34):21902-11. doi: 10.1039/c5cp02172c. Epub 2015 Aug 3.

Abstract

Ultracold IR spectra of the protonated five amino acid peptide leu-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) embedded in superfluid helium droplets have been recorded using a free-electron laser as radiation source. The results show resolved spectra, which are in good agreement with theoretical calculations, as well as with the available gas-phase data indicating that the helium environment does not induce a significant matrix-shift. In addition, the effect of the interaction between the charge and the peptide backbone has been further investigated by complexing protonated leu-enkephalin with one 18-crown-6 molecule. Good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results allow for an assignment of a preferred molecular structure.

MeSH terms

  • Crown Ethers / chemistry*
  • Enkephalin, Leucine / chemistry*
  • Helium / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Lasers
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protons*
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared

Substances

  • Crown Ethers
  • Protons
  • Solvents
  • Helium
  • Enkephalin, Leucine
  • 18-crown-6