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Matter-wave interference of a native polypeptide
A Shayeghi1, P Rieser1, G Richter1
1Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, VCQ, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
Nature Communications
|March 21, 2020
Summary
Scientists demonstrated the quantum wave nature of gramicidin, a natural polypeptide antibiotic. This breakthrough in matter-wave interferometry opens doors for quantum-assisted measurements on biomolecules.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Physics
- Biomolecular Science
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- The wave nature of matter, described by de Broglie, is fundamental to quantum physics.
- Matter-wave interferometry has been challenging for fragile biomolecules like polypeptides.
- Natural polypeptides are essential building blocks of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the quantum wave nature of a natural polypeptide, gramicidin.
- To explore the feasibility of matter-wave interferometry with biomolecules.
- To advance quantum optics applications in biological sciences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a time-domain Talbot-Lau interferometer.
- Experimentally verified the wave nature of gramicidin, a 15-amino acid natural antibiotic.
- Employed quantum chemical calculations to analyze optical properties and differentiate from classical predictions.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the wave nature of gramicidin.
- Observed significant delocalization of the molecule's center of mass (over 20 times its size).
- Distinguished quantum wave behavior from classical predictions using a comprehensive model.
Conclusions:
- Quantum optics can be realized with prototypical biomolecules like gramicidin.
- This work paves the way for quantum-assisted measurements on various biologically relevant molecules.
- Advances the application of quantum phenomena to the study of life's building blocks.
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