Scientists at the University of Twente have developed a new optical method that can observe how a single protein changes its shape in liquid, without needing to attach any markers or tags to it. The technique works by reading the protein’s structure from its own molecular vibrations, which are unique to each protein and its shape. This allows researchers to follow the protein’s movements in real time, something that was difficult with previous methods that often required attaching fluorescent labels or other tags that could interfere with the protein’s natural behavior.
Proteins are essential molecules in the body, and their shape is crucial for their function. When a protein changes shape, it can affect how it interacts with drugs, toxins, and other biomolecules. Understanding these shape changes could help scientists develop better medicines or understand how diseases work at the molecular level.
The method was described in a paper published in the journal ACS Nano. The researchers say that this label-free approach could be used to study how proteins respond to different substances, such as potential drug candidates or environmental toxins. It might also help in understanding fundamental biological processes. The team believes that this technique could become an important tool for biochemistry and drug discovery, offering a new window into the dynamic world of proteins.
Further research is needed to refine the method and expand its use to more complex systems, but the initial results are promising.