Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract

Given its ability to detect all iron centers, to identify their electronic structures, and to quantify the ratios of the different iron forms present in a sample, many researchers turn to Mössbauer spectroscopy when wanting to address structural and mechanistic questions involving iron proteins. Yet, this technique applied to biochemistry is provided by only a few dedicated teams in the world. Technical difficulties ranging from sample preparation to data analysis and interpretation make necessary the collaboration between biochemists and Mössbauer spectroscopists. This chapter will be confined to iron Mössbauer. It will focus on giving biologists and biochemists the keys to understand what essential information Mössbauer spectroscopy can yield, and how to engage in successful collaborations with spectroscopists. After introducing the basic principles of a Mössbauer experiment, we will describe first how to prepare a suitable Mössbauer sample, then how this technique is applied to the identification of different iron species inside proteins.