Biomolecular EPR Spectroscopy Lab:

Our research lies at the interface of chemistry, biology, and spectroscopy, with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy at its core. EPR probes the interaction of paramagnetic centers with magnetic fields, providing detailed insights into their local environments, including structural information on nearby NMR-active nuclei and other paramagnetic centers separated by nanometer-scale distances. We employ both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed EPR methodologies to obtain molecular-level insights into complex biological processes in bioinorganic and biophysical chemistry.

In the area of biophysical chemistry, our work focuses on understanding the structure–dynamics–function relationships of proteins, with a particular emphasis on intrinsically disordered proteins associated with human diseases. Since many biomolecules are diamagnetic, we utilize site-directed spin labelling (SDSL), where small paramagnetic probes (spin labels) are introduced at specific sites within the protein. These labels report on the local chemical environment and can interact with other labels positioned several nanometers away. Such interactions provide valuable information on protein folding, conformational heterogeneity, structural transitions, and intermolecular interactions.

In parallel, in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, we investigate the structure and reactivity of metalloproteins and their model complexes. Our studies focus on identifying and characterizing transient intermediates and elucidating reaction mechanisms, contributing to a deeper understanding at the molecular level.

If you have a background in chemistry or biochemistry (or related discipline) and are interested in pursuing projects, PhD, or postdoctoral research in these areas, please feel free to contact me at manasseal@edu.iitkgp.ac.in