Total Internal Reflection Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Cytochrome c

J Phys Chem Lett. 2020 May 21;11(10):3835-3840. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c00579. Epub 2020 May 1.

Abstract

Surface and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopies in total internal reflection (TIR-SERS and TIR-TERS) are used to characterize the oxidation, spin, and ligation state of cytochrome c (Cc) molecules electrostatically bound on a hydrophilic thiol self-assembled monolayer. TIR-SERS spectra of this model hemoprotein show marker bands typical of the 6cLS ferric state of Cc. The performances of the TIR-TERS technique as a function of the incidence angle are described, showing in particular a significant electromagnetic enhancement of the Raman signal under p-polarized light excitation. TIR-TERS spectra of Cc confirm the 6cLS ferric state assignment deduced from TIR-SERS spectra, thus demonstrating the possibility of probing with nanoscale spatial resolution the 6cLS oxidized form of Cc that is potentially implicated in cell apoptotic processes. The minimal far-field contribution of the sample in TIR-TERS also offers promising perspectives for future nanoscale chemical characterizations of photosensitive biomolecules in complex biological media.

MeSH terms

  • Cytochromes c / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Cytochromes c