Berlin 2018 – scientific programme
Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help
BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 9: Postersession I
BP 9.11: Poster
Monday, March 12, 2018, 17:30–19:30, Poster A
Ectoine protects biomolecules from ionizing radiation: Molecular mechanisms — •Marc Benjamin Hahn1,2, Tihomir Solomun2, Maria-Astrid Schröter2, Hans-Jörg Kunte2, Susann Meyer2, and Heinz Sturm2,3 — 1Freie Universität Berlin — 2Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung — 3Technische Universitäat Berlin
The compatible solute and osmolyte ectoine is an effective protectant of biomolecules and whole cells against heating, freezing and high salinity. The protection of cells (human Keratinocytes) by ectoine against ultraviolet radiation was also reported by various authors, although the underlying mechanism is not yet understood. We present results[1] on the irradiation of biomolecules (DNA) with ionizing radiation (high energy electrons) in fully aqueous environment in the presence of ectoine and high salt concentrations. The results demonstrate an effective radiation protection of DNA by ectoine against the induction of single strand breaks by ionizing radiation. The effect is explained by an increased in low-energy electron scattering at the enhanced free-vibrational density of states of water due to ectoine, as well as the action of ectoine as an OH-radical scavenger. This was demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Monte-Carlo simulations (Geant4).
[1] Hahn et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 25717-25722