Generalized Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis of NMR and Raman Spectra for Structural Evolution Characterizations of Silk Fibroin

Advancements of two dimensional correlation spectroscopy in protein researches

The developments of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) applications in protein studies are discussed, especially for the past two decades. The powerful utilities of 2DCOS combined with various analytical techniques in protein studies are summarized. The emphasis is on the vibration spectroscopic techniques including IR, NIR, Raman and optical activity (ROA), as well as vibration circular dichroism (VCD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, some new developments, such as hetero-spectral 2DCOS, moving-window correlation, and model based correlation, are also reviewed for their utility in the investigation of the secondary structure, denaturation, folding and unfolding changes of protein. Finally, the new possibility and challenges of 2DCOS in protein research are highlighted as well.

Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy in protein science, a summary for past 20years

Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) has been widely used to Infrared, Raman, Near IR, Optical Activity (ROA), Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) and Fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, several new developments, such as 2D hetero-correlation analysis, moving-window two-dimensional (MW2D) correlation, model based correlation (βν and kν correlation analyses) have also well incorporated into protein research. They have been used to investigate secondary structure, denaturation, folding and unfolding changes of protein, and have contributed greatly to the field of protein science. This review provides an overview of the applications of 2DCOS in the field of protein science for the past 20 year, especially to memory our old friend, Dr. Boguslawa Czarnik-Matusewicz, for her great contribution in this research field. The powerful utility of 2DCOS combined with various analytical techniques in protein studies is summarized. The noteworthy developments and perspective of 2DCOS in this field are highlighted finally.

Effect of Al(iii) and curcumin on silk fibroin conformation and aggregation morphology

Al(iii) can accelerate the conformation transition of silk fibroin from random coils into β-sheets, and curcumin can reverse the transition.

Review structure of silk by raman spectromicroscopy: from the spinning glands to the fibers

Raman spectroscopy has long been proved to be a useful tool to study the conformation of protein-based materials such as silk. Thanks to recent developments, linearly polarized Raman spectromicroscopy has appeared very efficient to characterize the molecular structure of native single silk fibers and spinning dopes because it can provide information relative to the protein secondary structure, molecular orientation, and amino acid composition. This review will describe recent advances in the study of the structure of silk by Raman spectromicroscopy. A particular emphasis is put on the spider dragline and silkworm cocoon threads, other fibers spun by orb-weaving spiders, the spinning dope contained in their silk glands and the effect of mechanical deformation. Taken together, the results of the literature show that Raman spectromicroscopy is particularly efficient to investigate all aspects of silk structure and production. The data provided can lead to a better understanding of the structure of the silk dope, transformations occurring during the spinning process, and structure and mechanical properties of native fibers.