Journal Article

PUBDB-2025-01513

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Unravelling the Role of the Multi-Functional Groups in the Adsorption of L-Cysteine on Rutile TiO₂(110)

Blanco Garcia, M.DESY* ; Perilli, D. ; Daldossi, C. ; Ugolotti, A. ; Giordano, M. ; Dolling, S.Extern*DESY* ; Wagstaffe, M.Extern* ; Kohantorabi, M.DESY* ; Stierle, A.XFEL.EU*DESY* ; Di Valentin, C. (Corresponding author) ; Noei, H. (Corresponding author)DESY*

2025
ACS Publications Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/jacs.5c07119  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2025-01513

Abstract: Understanding the interaction between biomolecules and oxide surfaces is essential for advancing technologies in photocatalysis, virus inactivation, and self-cleaning materials. This study investigates the adsorption behavior of L-cysteine on the rutile TiO₂(110) surface using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. By employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we elucidate the molecular configurations and bonding mechanisms involved in the interaction of cysteine with the TiO₂ surface. The results reveal three distinct adsorption geometries: two bidentate bridging modes involving the carboxylate group and amino group and a configuration involving the interaction of the thiolate group with titanium atoms. Additionally, at higher coverages, cysteine molecules form dimers stabilized by disulfide bonds, while maintaining a zwitterionic state. Our study highlights, for the first time, the key role of the thiol group in cysteine adsorption on TiO2, both for surface direct binding and dimer formation. These findings provide new insights into the fundamental principles of biomolecule-semiconductor interactions, with important implications for surface-functionalized materials in catalysis and sensing.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Nanolab (FS-NL)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)

Experiment(s):

1. DESY NanoLab: Surface Spectroscopy
2. DESY NanoLab: Sample Preparation

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Chemical Reactions ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 15 ; Index Chemicus ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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