@article {Kowacz2017362, title = {Infrared light-induced protein crystallization. Structuring of protein interfacial water and periodic self-assembly}, journal = {Journal of Crystal Growth}, volume = {457}, year = {2017}, note = {

SI: CRYS_ECCG5

}, pages = {362 - 368}, abstract = {

Abstract We show that a physical trigger, a non-ionizing infrared (IR) radiation at wavelengths strongly absorbed by liquid water, can be used to induce and kinetically control protein (periodic) self-assembly in solution. This phenomenon is explained by considering the effect of {\.I}R\} light on the structuring of protein interfacial water. Our results indicate that the {\.I}R\} radiation can promote enhanced mutual correlations of water molecules in the protein hydration shell. We report on the radiation-induced increase in both the strength and cooperativeness of H-bonds. The presence of a structured dipolar hydration layer can lead to attractive interactions between like-charged biomacromolecules in solution (and crystal nucleation events). Furthermore, our study suggests that enveloping the protein within a layer of structured solvent (an effect enhanced by {\.I}R\} light) can prevent the protein non-specific aggregation favoring periodic self-assembly. Recognizing the ability to affect protein-water interactions by means of {\.I}R\} radiation may have important implications for biological and bio-inspired systems.

}, keywords = {A4. Crystal growth from solution}, issn = {0022-0248}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2016.01.003}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022024816000178}, author = {Kowacz, Magdalena and Mateusz Marchel and Lina Juknait{\'e} and Jos{\'e} M.S.S. Esperan{\c c}a and Rom{\~a}o, Maria Jo{\~a}o and Ana Lu{\'\i}sa Carvalho and Lu{\'\i}s Paulo N. Rebelo} }