The Journal of Biological Physics and Chemistry

2006

Volume 6, Number 1, p.p. 3-8


Wrapping a hydrogen bond with a molecular force probe: the mechanical equivalent of dehydration propensity

Ariel Fernández

Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA

We report on a mechanical determination of the dehydration propensity of a preformed hydrogen bond involving a polar pair partially exposed to water. A molecular force probe has been devised to measure the attraction exerted on a nonpolar group by a hydrogen bond that becomes strengthened upon dehydration. Thus, the tendency of a hydrogen bond to promote modifications of its own microenvironment is experimentally assessed by probing a hydrogen bond monolayer with an AFM device. The results reveal a mechanical equivalent of dehydration propensity, and are benchmarked against theoretical computations and mesoscopic measurements.
PACS numbers: 87.15.He, 87.10.+e, 87.15.Nn


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