Development of Single Molecule Techniques To Study Cu-Containing Oxidoreductases

"The study of single molecules (SMs) has gained enormous popularity in recent years. We are interested in the details of the reaction mechanisms of oxido-reductases, in particular Cu containing proteins. The applicability of the technique will be demonstrated on two evolutionarily related copper enzymes, dissimilatory nitrite reductase (NiR) and the small laccase (SLAC). The main finding is that the internal electron transfer process can be followed in detail. Distribution of driving forces and reorganization energies could be established. Two new technical developments will be briefly highlighted. 1). How to avoid that the redox activity of the dye spoils the analysis of the redox processes. 2). How the use of Au nano particles may improve the S/N ratio in SM experiments. "