Using surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectroscopy techniques, we have obtained vibrational spectra from the higher plant D1-D2-cytochrome b559 photosystem II reaction center complex by exciting directly into the red-edge of the Qy transitions of chlorophyll and pheophytin bound within the protein complex. The presence of the SERRS-active metallic Ag surface dramatically reduced the high fluorescence yield from these pigments, a serious problem that has prevented detection of resonance Raman scattering signals in the past. This report constitutes the first successful attempt to measure Raman spectra from an oxygenic photosynthetic pigment-protein complex by excitation within the Qy transition. Consequently, SERRS spectroscopy now shows promise as an alternative vibrational spectroscopy to FT-IR for selectively examining energy transfer and redox-active chromophores involved in the dynamics of the primary processes of photosynthesis.

Peer Reviewed