Biophysical chemistry

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nanoscales to translate
RNA into proteins

Biophysical chemistry is a

physical science that uses the concepts of physics and physical chemistry for the study of biological systems.[1] The most common feature of the research in this subject is to seek an explanation of the various phenomena in biological systems in terms of either the molecules that make up the system or the supra-molecular structure of these systems.[2] Apart from the biological applications, recent research showed progress in the medical field as well.[3]

History

Twentieth Century

Germany

The oldest concept of biophysical chemistry started from the curiosity of Karl Friedrich Bonhoeffer, a physical chemist who wanted to approach biological and physiological problems with knowledge of physics and chemistry. One example of his work is studying the effect of electric current on iron to simulate nerve excitations.[4] After the establishment of fundamental biophysical chemistry in Göttingen, Manfred Eigen, the German Nobel Laureate developed it further. In 1971, he improved the research focus by merging two institutes, physical chemistry, and spectroscopy.[5] Nowadays, the research in biophysical chemistry in Göttingen aims to discover life processes using the combined knowledge of science.

Netherlands

The renowned scientist, Herman Berendsen launched a research group at the University of Groningen focused on using NMR to monitor water and protein in biological systems.[6] The study expands the structural understanding of water bonding which explains a lot of phenomena. [7]

Modern history

Current approaches to biophysical research include but are not limited to the study of ion channels, promoters, stem cells, and the detection and analysis of biomolecules.[8][1]

Techniques

Biophysical chemists employ various techniques used in physical chemistry to probe the structure of biological systems. These techniques include spectroscopic methods such as

vesicles
of different compositions and sizes.

Applications

There are several biological and medical applications that apply the knowledge of biophysical chemistry to benefit humankind. [10]

Study of Cell Membrane

Lipid bilayer membrane is a name to describe the composition of the cell membrane. With the current knowledge and advancement of the instrument, it is possible to study the properties of lipid bilayers such as viscosity. The study applied the fluorescence spectroscopy technique to identify that even if there is only a single phospholipid bilayer constructs the liposome, we can still detect a different level of viscosity existing in the membrane.[11]

Study of Protein Reactions

Several spectroscopic methods allow modern scientists to identify the kinetic components of protein reactions in biological systems. Moreover, it is possible to adjust and engineer biological reactions by applying laser radiation to them. For instance, we can induce the process of protein crystallization using the technique called "laser trapping".[11]

Hydrogel Synthesis

Riboflavin, or commonly, vitamin B2, has the ability to become a reactive species that can undergo various reactions under the existence of light and oxygen.[12] The significant reaction involved the synthesis of a hydrogel. Hydrogel is a porous material that can hold a large amount of water while maintaining its shape. The application of hydrogel includes drug delivery, artificial muscles, tissue engineering, etc.[13]

Enzyme Improvement

Enzymes are substances that can accelerate chemical reactions.[14] However, the usage of enzymes in real applications has a lot of limitations, including, but not limited to stability, compatibility, and cost. By using the concept of biophysical chemistry, it is possible to improve those limitations, as well as increase the performance of enzymes.[15]

Anticancer Drugs

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecule that is the basis of all living things. Moreover, it is a main target of anticancer drugs. Studying the interaction between drugs and DNA allows the researcher to develop drugs that could efficiently treat cancer.[16]

Institutes

The oldest reputed institute for biophysical chemistry is the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen.[17]

Journals

Biophysical chemistry journals include

Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods (Elsevier), Journal of Biochemistry, Biology and Biophysics (Taylor & Francis), and Journal de Chimie Physique, Physico-Chimie Biologique (EDP Sciences and the Société Française de Chimie
).

See also

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-3-527-68354-3
    .
  2. PMID 20111693
    .
  3. ISBN 978-1-78984-047-6
    , retrieved 2023-04-02
  4. PMC 2213747
    .
  5. ^ "Manfred Eigen". www.mpinat.mpg.de. Retrieved 2023-04-02.
  6. ISSN 1875-8355
    .
  7. ISSN 0021-9606
    .
  8. ^ "Former Dept. Biophysical Chemistry". www.biophys.mpg.de. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
  9. ^ The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2009 - Press Release
  10. ISBN 978-1-78984-048-3
    .
  11. ^
    ISSN 0304-4165
    .
  12. ISBN 978-1-78984-047-6
    , retrieved 2023-04-02
  13. ISSN 2050-750X
    .
  14. OCLC 48055706
    .
  15. ISBN 978-1-78984-047-6
    , retrieved 2023-04-02
  16. ISBN 978-1-78984-047-6
    , retrieved 2023-04-02
  17. ^ "Foundation & History of the Institute". www.mpinat.mpg.de. Retrieved 2023-04-01.

Bibliography

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