An interdisciplinary team of Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers have recently published a pioneering study. They made a groundbreaking discovery about the impact of quantum effects on biological processes. Specifically, the team focused on lysozyme, a common enzyme found in all living organisms. Using state-of-the-art techniques, they mapped the atomically rich world of the complex interplay between electron spin and proton movement in lysozyme crystals. This study appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is phenomenal and demonstrates the important role quantum physics is playing in transforming our understanding of bioenergetics.
The experiment was conducted by Naama Goren and Prof. Yossi Paltiel. They are deeply collaborative, joint faculty members in the Department of Applied Physics and the Nano Center. Joining them on the technical front were Professor Nir Keren and Oded Livnah from the Institute of Life Science at Hebrew University. They joined forces to study the effects of injecting electrons with a chosen spin direction into lysozyme crystals. They sought to learn how this specific injection might alter proton movement, a key component to energy transfer within our cells.
The Role of Lysozyme Crystals
Lysozyme, famous for its antibacterial properties, is another biological crystal that has several different functions in living organisms. As a result of its ubiquity among multiple biological systems, it is a subject of key scientific interest. The researchers took advantage of these lysozyme crystals to carry out a set of experiments. They revealed what happens when electrons interact with protons, and how this interaction makes the two particles move differently.
In their new approach, the team introduced electrons with a particular spin into the lysozyme crystals. This physical manipulation led to an incredible 50 percent increase in how easily protons could penetrate the material. The researchers explored the interplay of quantum mechanics and biochemical processes. During their work, they discovered a more intriguing connection, one that proton behavior is determined not only by chemical interactions, but by quantum phenomena.
“Our findings show that the way protons move in biological systems isn’t just about chemistry—it’s also about quantum physics.” – Naama Goren
Imaging Techniques and Findings
To further understand the lysozyme crystals and determine their crystal structure, the researchers used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize the crystals’ morphology. This advanced imaging technique allowed them to capture detailed images of the crystals, providing insights into their physical properties and behaviors at the microscopic level. From the SEM images we concluded that the lysozyme crystals are chiral. This remarkable property provides us an insight into molecular interactions in biological systems.
The team’s experiments found an unexpectedly robust relationship between the electron spin and proton movement. They highlighted the fact that these particles are intimately connected inside lysozyme crystals. This connection holds significant implications for how scientists learn about energy transfer processes in living systems.
Implications for Future Technologies
The implications of this research go far beyond the academic realm, providing new avenues towards developing tangible technologies. Professor Paltiel noted that the findings could lead to innovative technologies that emulate biological processes, particularly in terms of information transfer within cells. While this study revolves around a biological system, the researchers say fundamentally tapping into these quantum effects could open up novel strategies in bioengineering and nanotechnology.
“This connection between electron spin and proton movement could lead to new technologies that mimic biological processes, and even new ways to control information transfer inside cells.” – Prof. Paltiel