Hydration Dynamics in Biological Membranes: Emerging Applications of Terahertz Spectroscopy

Water drives the spontaneous self-assembly of lipids and proteins into quasi two-dimensional biological membranes that act as catalytic scaffolds for numerous processes central to life. However, the functional relevance of hydration in membrane biology is only beginning to be addressed, predominantly because of challenges associated with direct measurements of hydration microstructure and dynamics in a biological milieu. Our recent work on the novel interplay of membrane electrostatics and crowding in shaping membrane hydration dynamics utilizing terahertz (THz) spectroscopy represents an important step in this context. In this Perspective, we provide a glimpse into the ever-broadening functional landscape of hydration dynamics in biological membranes in the backdrop of the unique physical chemistry of water molecules. We further highlight the immense (and largely untapped) potential of the THz toolbox in addressing contemporary problems in membrane biology, while emphasizing the adaptability of the analytical framework reported recently by us to such studies.

Automated summary

Water plays a crucial role in the self-assembly of lipids and proteins into biological membranes, with the functional relevance of hydration in membrane biology still being explored. Recent research utilizing terahertz spectroscopy to study the interplay of membrane electrostatics and crowding on membrane hydration dynamics represents a significant advancement. The potential of the THz toolbox in addressing contemporary issues in membrane biology is vast and largely untapped, with an emphasis on the adaptability of the analytical framework recently reported.