Influence of Hofmeister Ions on the Structure of Proline-Based Peptide Models: A Combined Experimental and Molecular Modeling Study

J Phys Chem B. 2017 Mar 9;121(9):2062-2072. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b12465. Epub 2017 Feb 23.

Abstract

The influence of three sodium salts, covering a wide range of the Hofmeister series, on the conformation of three proline-based peptide models in aqueous solution is examined using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The anions preferentially interact with the cis conformers of the peptide models, which is rationalized by the respective electrostatic potential surfaces. These preferred interactions have a strong impact on the thermodynamics of the cis/trans equilibria, leading to a higher population of the cis conformers. In distinct cases, these equilibria are nearly independent of temperature, showing that the salts are also able to stabilize the conformers over wide temperature ranges.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ions / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Proline / chemistry*
  • Quantum Theory

Substances

  • Ions
  • Peptides
  • Proline