Displacement Statistics of Unhindered Single Molecules Show no Enhanced Diffusion in Enzymatic Reactions

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Mar 23;144(11):4839-4844. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c12328. Epub 2022 Mar 8.

Abstract

Recent studies have sparked debate over whether catalytic reactions enhance the diffusion coefficients D of enzymes. Through high statistics of the transient (600 μs) displacements of unhindered single molecules freely diffusing in common buffers, we here quantify D for four enzymes under catalytic turnovers. We thus formulate how ∼ ±1% precisions may be achieved for D, and show no changes in diffusivity for catalase, urease, aldolase, and alkaline phosphatase under the application of wide concentration ranges of substrates. Our single-molecule approach thus overcomes potential limitations and artifacts underscored by recent studies to show no enhanced diffusion in enzymatic reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Diffusion
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase*
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Urease

Substances

  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Urease
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase