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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.

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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.

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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.