“It’s arguably one of the most important interactions between molecules, because it occurs in water where biology and so much technology happens,” says UW-Madison chemical and biological engineering professor Nicholas Abbott. A group of UW-Madison researchers, including Abbott and UW-Madison chemistry professor Sam Gellman have provided new insights on hydrophobic interactions within complex systems. The researchers have shown how the nearby presence of hydrophilic substances can change the way hydrophobic groups interact with each other. The group was able to measure the strength of interactions between hydrophobic, nonpolar groups with the nearby presence of hydrophilic, polar groups by using an atomic force microscope. They were able to find a correlation between the proximity of the hydrophilic groups and the strength of the interactions in the hydrophobic molecules. These interactions have been theorized and now demonstrated. The findings could have implications in industries where molecules need to perform useful functions in water; including ointments based on emulsions, food products, detergents and more. Due to the complex combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in proteins, this research could also have implications in understanding the biological processes involved in protein structure modification.
For more information go to: http://www.news.wisc.edu/23404