Zn K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Research Articles

Natural suspended particulate matter (SPM) versus lab-controlled particles: Comparison of the reactivity and association mode of Zn

River suspended particulate matter (SPM) plays a crucial role in the fate and behavior of pollutants such as Zn, a widespread trace metal commonly encountered in continental surface waters. SPM comprises particles and colloids and is described as complex, heterogeneous particles composed of mineral, organic and microbiological components with high surface reactivity. In this study, the surface properties of river SPM and its capacity to bind Zn were probed using electrophoretic mobility (EM) experiments, specific surface area (SSA) measurements, Zn adsorption tests and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The external characteristics and reactivity of lab-controlled mineral phases (illite, ferrihydrite, illite-iron (hydr)oxide composite, and calcite) were investigated as for natural SPM. The electrophoretic mobility (EM) of the SPM exhibited low variations among the samples and was essentially assigned to the clay particles that dominate the mineralogical composition. Except for two samples, Zn adsorption experiments evidenced comparable adsorption capacity in relation to their different mineral and chemical compositions. Zn K-edge XAS data revealed that at low Zn loadings, the binding mode of this metal with environmental particles was controlled by its mineralogical composition. Indeed, linear combination fitting of the XAS curves, completed by shell-to-shell fitting, revealed that Zn is associated with SPM by surface complexation. The XAS results showed that for SPM samples collected in the high flow regime, Zn was mainly bound to clay minerals. In contrast, for the SPM sample collected during the low flow regime, Zn was bound not only to clay minerals but also to iron (hydr)oxides.

Correlating the Structural Evolution of ZnO/Al2O3 to Spinel Zinc Aluminate with its Catalytic Performance in Propane Dehydrogenation

Zn-based Al2O3-suported materials have been proposed as inexpensive and environmentally friendly catalysts for the direct dehydrogenation of propane (PDH), however, our understanding of these catalysts’ structure and deactivation routes is still limited. Here, we correlate the catalytic activity for PDH of a series of Zn-based Al2O3 catalysts with their structure and structural evolution. To this end, three model catalysts are investigated. (i) ZnO/Al2O3 prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO onto γ-Al2O3 followed by calcination at 700 °C, which yields a core-shell spinel zinc aluminate/γ-Al2O3 structure. (ii) Zinc aluminate spinel nanoparticles (ZnxAlyO4 NPs) prepared via a hydrothermal method. (iii) A reference core-shell ZnO/SiO2 catalyst prepared by ALD of ZnO on SiO2. The catalysts are characterized in detail by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and 27Al solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR). These experiments allowed us to identify tetrahedral Zn sites in close proximity to Al sites of a zinc aluminate spinel phase (ZnIV–O–AlIV/VI linkages) as notably more active and selective in PDH relative to the supported ZnO wurtzite phase (ZnIV–O– ZnIV linkages) in ZnO/SiO2. The best performing catalyst, 50ZnO/Al2O3 gives 77% selectivity to propene (gaseous products based) at 9 mmol C3H6 gcat−1 h−1 space time yield (STY) after 3 min of reaction at 600 °C. On the other hand, the core-shell ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst shows an irreversible loss of activity over repeated PDH and air-regeneration cycles, explained by Zn depletion on the surface due to its diffusion into subsurface layers or the bulk. ZnxAlyO4 NPs gave a comparable initial selectivity and catalytic activity as 50ZnO/Al2O3. With time on stream, ZnxAlyO4 NPs deactivate due to the formation of coke at the catalyst surface, yet the extend of coke deposition is lower than for the ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts, and the activity of ZnxAlyO4 NPs can be regenerated almost fully using calcination in air.

Operando X-ray Diffraction and Double-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies on a Perfect Zero-Strain Material.

"Zero-strain" insertion materials are essential for high-performance Li-ion batteries, but the experimental determination of changes in their local structures remains challenging. In this study, we successfully visualized the reaction scheme of a perfect zero-strain material, (Li0.75Zn0.25)[Li0.417Ti1.583]O4 with a spinel framework, using operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The operando XRD/XAS technique, which provided a series of XRD, Ti K-edge XAS, and Zn K-edge XAS data, can be employed owing to a recently developed tapered undulator and monochromator system. Although previous ex situ XRD measurements indicated the immutable cubic lattice parameter (ac) during the discharge process, these studies unveiled drastic structural variations occurring on the atomic scale between the charge and discharge reactions, such as differences in the ac, bond distances, and occupancies of the Zn2+ ions. This dynamic information obtained under operating conditions could be useful not only for understanding the zero-strain reaction scheme but also for designing advanced zero-strain insertion materials with enhanced energy density.

XAFS and TEM Investigation of Nanocluster Formation in 64Zn+ Ion-Implanted and Thermo-Oxidized SiO2 Film

Due to their tunable current–voltage characteristics, Zn-doped thin SiO2 films are promising for microelectronic devices, e.g., memristors. In this work we studied single-crystal Si (100) substrates with 200 nm SiO2 surface layers implanted with 64Zn+ using Zn K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction. We used two specimens: as-implanted and annealed in oxygen at 700°C. Cross-section TEM analysis showed that 64Zn+ implantation leads to the formation of a subsurface layer consisting of Zn nanoparticles approximately 7 nm in size. The nanoparticles are distributed in depths from 10 nm to 90 nm, with a concentration peak at 45 nm. Electron microscopy showed that most of the Zn nanoparticles are amorphous. However, XAS data indicated that almost all the Zn atoms are coordinated with oxygen. Thus, only a small fraction of zinc atoms are involved in the formation of nanoclusters. Annealing at 700°C leads to the oxidation of particles with the formation of the Zn2SiO4 phase. The particle sizes in the surface layer of SiO2 after annealing vary from 3 nm to 20 nm.

Evolution of Zn(II) single atom catalyst sites during the pyrolysis-induced transformation of ZIF-8 to N-doped carbons

The pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) is becoming a popular approach for the synthesis of catalysts comprising porphyrin-like metal single atom catalysts (SACs) on N-doped carbons (M-N-C). Understanding the structural evolution of M-N-C as a function of ZIF pyrolysis temperature is important for realizing high performance catalysts. Herein, we report a detailed investigation of the evolution of Zn single atom catalyst sites during the pyrolysis of ZIF-8 at temperatures ranging from 500 to 900 °C. Results from Zn L-edge and Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies reveal that tetrahedral ZnN4 centers in ZIF-8 transform to porphyrin-like ZnN4 centers supported on N-doped carbon at temperatures as low as 600 °C. As the pyrolysis temperature increased in the range 600–900 °C, the Zn atoms moved closer to the N4 coordination plane. This subtle geometry change in the ZnN4 sites alters the electron density on the Zn atoms (formally Zn2+), strongly impacting the catalytic performance for the peroxidase-like decomposition of H2O2. The catalyst obtained at 800 °C (Zn-N-C-800) offered the best performance for H2O2 decomposition. This work provides valuable new insights about the evolution of porphyrin-like single metal sites on N-doped carbons from ZIF precursors and the factors influencing SAC activity.

Quantitative investigation of ZnO nanoparticle dissolution in the presence of δ-MnO2.

The widespread use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), the second most produced nanomaterial, inevitably leads to their release into the environment. In this study, dissolution and transformation of ZnO NPs in the presence of δ-MnO2, an abundant and ubiquitous manganese (Mn) oxide mineral, was investigated via a suite of techniques covering bulk to molecular scales. Dissolution kinetics indicated that the presence of δ-MnO2 significantly affected ZnO NP dissolution rate/trend and equilibrium Zn2+ concentration, which were found to be mainly dependent on the concentration and mass ratio of ZnO NPs and δ-MnO2. Approximately 300mg ZnO NPs per g δ-MnO2 was expected for ZnO NP uptake at pH7.0 via ZnO NP dissolution and surface Zn2+ adsorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD), ζ potential, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) results revealed that when the mole content of ZnO NPs was less than the total adsorption sites of δ-MnO2 surface, ZnO NPs were completely dissolved and adsorbed on δ-MnO2 surface in the form of inner-sphere complexes. A fraction of ZnO NPs persisted when the mole ratio of ZnO to δ-MnO2 further increased. These results suggest that the transformation and fate of ZnO NPs is affected by environment-relevant minerals such as Mn oxides due to their huge capacity of fixing dissolved metal cations at the surface or interlayer structure.

Defect induced ferromagnetic ordering in epitaxial Zn0.95Mn0.05O films on sapphire (0 0 0 1)

We report the influence of Mn dopant on magnetic properties of Zn0.95Mn0.05O (ZMO)/Al2O3(0 0 0 1) hetero-epitaxial systems grown by using pulsed-laser deposition. The room temperature (RT) intrinsic ferromagnetic (FM) ordering verified by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectrum of Mn L2,3 edges is ascribed to the substitutional Mn atoms in the Zn site of ZnO. Mn in ZMO has a tetrahedral local symmetry instead of the octahedral symmetry of MnO, after verifying the absence of the Mn-related impurities or clusters in ZMO epitaxial film by Mn K-edge and Zn K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy spectrum, as well as the analysis of long-range structural ordering on Renninger scan of forbidden (0 0 0 5) reflection in x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectrum. Comparison of x-ray absorption spectra of ZMO with those of ZnO epilayers at O K-, Zn K-, and L3-edges indicates that the substitution of the Zn site with Mn enhances the charge-transfer (CT) transition and the presence of Zn vacancies (VZn) also dominate the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, implying that the formation of numerous VZn defects plays an important role in activating FM interactions. The strong CT effect and the existence of high-density VZn suggest that the intrinsic RT FM ordering of insulating ZMO is a result of the formation of the bound magnetic polarons (BMPs) that interact with each other via intermediate magnetic impurities.

High Energy Resolution-X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Spectroscopy Reveals Zn Ligation in Whole Cell Bacteria

Identifying the zinc (Zn) ligation and coordination environment in complex biological and environmental systems is crucial to understand the role of Zn as a biologically essential but sometimes toxic metal. Most studies on Zn coordination in biological or environmental samples rely on the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) region of a Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) spectrum. However, EXAFS analysis cannot identify unique nearest neighbors with similar atomic number (i.e., O versus N) and provides little information on Zn ligation. Herein, we demonstrate that high energy resolution-X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES) spectroscopy enables the direct determination of Zn ligation in whole cell bacteria, providing additional insights lost from EXAFS analysis at a fraction of the scan time and Zn concentration. HR-XANES is a relatively new technique that has improved our understanding of trace metals (e.g., Hg, Cu, and Ce) in dilute systems. This study is the first to show that HR-XANES can unambiguously detect Zn coordination to carboxyl, phosphoryl, imidazole, and/or thiol moieties in model microorganisms.

Properties of impurity-bearing ferrihydrite II: Insights into the surface structure and composition of pure, Al- and Si-bearing ferrihydrite from Zn(II) sorption experiments and Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Naturally occurring ferrihydrite often contains impurities such as Al and Si, which can impact its chemical reactivity with respect to metal(loid) adsorption and (in)organic or microbially induced reductive dissolution. However, the surface composition of impure ferrihydrites is not well constrained, and this hinders our understanding of the factors controlling the surface reactivity of these nanophases. In this study, we conducted Zn(II) adsorption experiments combined with Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements on pure ferrihydrite (Fh) and Al- or Si-bearing ferrihydrites containing 10 and 20mol% Al or Si (referred to as 10AlFh, 20AlFh and 10SiFh, 20SiFh) to evaluate Zn(II) uptake in relation to Zn(II) speciation at their surfaces. Overall, Zn(II) uptake at the surface of AlFh is similar to that of pure Fh, and based on Zn K-edge EXAFS data, Zn(II) speciation at the surface of Fh and AlFh also appears similar. Binuclear bidentate IVZn–VIFe complexes (at ∼3.46Å (2C[1]) and ∼3.25Å (2C[2])) were identified at low Zn(II) surface coverages from Zn K-edge EXAFS fits. With increasing Zn(II) surface coverage, the number of second-neighbor Fe ions decreased, which was interpreted as indicating the formation of IVZn polymers at the ferrihydrite surface, and a deviation from Langmuir uptake behavior. Zn(II) uptake at the surface of SiFh samples was more significant than at Fh and AlFh surfaces, and was attributed to the formation of outer-sphere complexes (on average 24% of sorbed Zn). Although similar Zn–Fe/Zn distances were obtained for the Zn-sorbed SiFh samples, the number of Fe second neighbors was lower in comparison with Fh. The decrease in second-neighbor Fe is most pronounced for sample 20SiFh, suggesting that the amount of reactive surface Fe sites diminishes with increasing Si content. Although our EXAFS results shown here do not provide evidence for the existence of Zn–Al or Zn–Si complexes, their presence is not excluded for Zn-sorbed AlFh or SiFh. The results of this study indicate that Zn(II) interaction with Fh is influenced by the type of impurities associated with this nanomineral, particularly in the case of Si-bearing Fh, and this may have implications for our understanding of metal(loid) mobility in natural systems.

Changes in Zinc Speciation with Mine Tailings Acidification in a Semiarid Weathering Environment

High concentrations of residual metal contaminants in mine tailings can be transported easily by wind and water, particularly when tailings remain unvegetated for decades following mining cessation, as is the case in semiarid landscapes. Understanding the speciation and mobility of contaminant metal(loid)s, particularly in surficial tailings, is essential to controlling their phytotoxicities and to revegetating impacted sites. In prior work, we showed that surficial tailings samples from the Klondyke State Superfund Site (AZ, USA), ranging in pH from 5.4 to 2.6, represent a weathering series, with acidification resulting from sulfide mineral oxidation, long-term Fe hydrolysis, and a concurrent decrease in total (6000 to 450 mg kg(-1)) and plant-available (590 to 75 mg kg(-1)) Zn due to leaching losses and changes in Zn speciation. Here, we used bulk and microfocused Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data and a six-step sequential extraction procedure to determine tailings solid phase Zn speciation. Bulk sample spectra were fit by linear combination using three references: Zn-rich phyllosilicate (Zn(0.8)talc), Zn sorbed to ferrihydrite (Zn(adsFeOx)), and zinc sulfate (ZnSO(4) · 7H(2)O). Analyses indicate that Zn sorbed in tetrahedral coordination to poorly crystalline Fe and Mn (oxyhydr)oxides decreases with acidification in the weathering sequence, whereas octahedral zinc in sulfate minerals and crystalline Fe oxides undergoes a relative accumulation. Microscale analyses identified hetaerolite (ZnMn(2)O(4)), hemimorphite (Zn(4)Si(2)O(7)(OH)(2) · H(2)O) and sphalerite (ZnS) as minor phases. Bulk and microfocused spectroscopy complement the chemical extraction results and highlight the importance of using a multimethod approach to interrogate complex tailings systems.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization of the interface in capped ZnO nanoparticles

We report here an extensive study of the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) capped with different organic molecules by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) methods to proceed in the understanding of their unusual magnetism. We have performed a detailed ab initio calculation of the Zn K-edge XAS aimed at determining the influence of the different coordination induced by the capping. The results suggest that the observed differences of the XAS spectra are due to the formation of a well-defined interface between the oxide NPs and the capping molecules. The appearance of magnetism should be related to the modifications induced in the NPs by the surface bonds between Zn and the capping molecule.

Crystal structure of quenched and in-field electroluminescent phosphors

Electroluminescent zinc sulfide doped with copper and chloride (ZnS:Cu, Cl) powder was heated to 400°C and rapidly quenched to room temperature. Comparison between the quenched and non-quenched phosphors using synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) (λ = 0.828692 Å) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was made. XRPD shows that the expected highly faulted structure is observed with excellent resolution out to 150° 2θ (or to (12 2 2) of the sphalerite phase). The quenched sample compared to the unheated sample shows a large change in peak ratios between 46.7° and 46.9°, which is thought to correspond to the wurtzite (0 0 6), (0 3 2) and sphalerite (3 3 3)/(5 1 1) peaks. Hence, a large proportion of this sphalerite diffraction is lost from the material upon rapid quenching, but not when the material is allowed to cool slowly. The Zn K-edge XAS data indicate that the crystalline structures are indistinguishable using this technique, but do give an indication that the electronic structure has altered due to changing intensity of the white line. It is noted that the blue electroluminescence (EL) emission bands are lost upon quenching: however, a large amount of total EL emission intensity is also removed, which is consistent with our findings. We report the XRPD of a working alternating-current electroluminescence device in the synchrotron X-ray beam, which exhibits a new diffraction pattern when the device is powered in an AC field even though the phosphor is fixed in the binder. Significantly, only a few crystals are required to yield the diffraction data because of the high flux X-ray source. These in panel data show multiple sharp diffraction lines spread out under the region, where capillary data show broad diffraction intensity indicating that the phosphor powder is comprised of unique crystals, each having different structures.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization of Zn underpotential deposition on Au(1 1 1) from phosphate supporting electrolyte

Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has been used to investigate the structure of Zn monolayers prepared on Au(1 1 1) electrodes via underpotential deposition (UPD) from phosphate supporting electrolyte. Theoretical modeling of the XAS data indicates that the Zn adatoms adopt a commensurate (√3 × √3)R30° ( θ sc = 0.33) adlayer structure and reside within the 3-fold hollow sites of the Au(1 1 1) surface. Meanwhile, phosphate counter-ions co-adsorb on the UPD adlayer and bridge between the Zn adatoms in a (√3 × √3)R30° ( θ sc = 0.33) configuration, with each phosphorous atom residing above a vacant 3-fold hollow site of the Au(1 1 1). Significantly, this surface structure is invariant between the electrochemical potential for UPD adlayer formation and the onset of bulk Zn electrodeposition. Analysis of the Zn K-edge absorption onset also presents the possibility that the Zn adatoms do not fully discharge during the process of UPD, which had been proposed in prior voltammetric studies of the phosphate/Zn(UPD)/Au(1 1 1) system.

X-ray absorption spectroscopic and magnetic characterization of cobalt-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals prepared by the molten-salt method

The local atomic arrangement and electronic structure of the Co-doped Zn 1− x Co x O nanocrystal have been quantitatively examined along with its magnetic properties. According to our analysis using powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), phase-pure wurzite-structured Zn 1− x Co x O nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized via the molten-salt method. The Co K-edge XAS analysis clearly demonstrates that all the Co 2+ ions are substituted for the tetrahedral Zn sites of the Wurzite structure with a coordination number of 3.9 and a bond distance of 1.97 Å, ruling out the presence of magnetic impurity phase and Co-metal cluster. Magnetization measurements reveal that the present Zn 1− x Co x O sample does not show any ferromagnetic transition down to 2 K. In this regard, we can conclude that Co-doped zinc oxide is not ferromagnetic but the previously reported ferromagnetism in this phase would be an extrinsic property.

A cysteine-rich CCG domain contains a novel [4Fe-4S] cluster binding motif as deduced from studies with subunit B of heterodisulfide reductase from Methanothermobacter marburgensis.

Heterodisulfide reductase (HDR) of methanogenic archaea with its active-site [4Fe-4S] cluster catalyzes the reversible reduction of the heterodisulfide (CoM-S-S-CoB) of the methanogenic coenzyme M (CoM-SH) and coenzyme B (CoB-SH). CoM-HDR, a mechanistic-based paramagnetic intermediate generated upon half-reaction of the oxidized enzyme with CoM-SH, is a novel type of [4Fe-4S]3+ cluster with CoM-SH as a ligand. Subunit HdrB of the Methanothermobacter marburgensis HdrABC holoenzyme contains two cysteine-rich sequence motifs (CX31-39CCX35-36CXXC), designated as CCG domain in the Pfam database and conserved in many proteins. Here we present experimental evidence that the C-terminal CCG domain of HdrB binds this unusual [4Fe-4S] cluster. HdrB was produced in Escherichia coli, and an iron-sulfur cluster was subsequently inserted by in vitro reconstitution. In the oxidized state the cluster without the substrate exhibited a rhombic EPR signal (gzyx = 2.015, 1.995, and 1.950) reminiscent of the CoM-HDR signal. 57Fe ENDOR spectroscopy revealed that this paramagnetic species is a [4Fe-4S] cluster with 57Fe hyperfine couplings very similar to that of CoM-HDR. CoM-33SH resulted in a broadening of the EPR signal, and upon addition of CoM-SH the midpoint potential of the cluster was shifted to values observed for CoM-HDR, both indicating binding of CoM-SH to the cluster. Site-directed mutagenesis of all 12 cysteine residues in HdrB identified four cysteines of the C-terminal CCG domain as cluster ligands. Combined with the previous detection of CoM-HDR-like EPR signals in other CCG domain-containing proteins our data indicate a general role of the C-terminal CCG domain in coordination of this novel [4Fe-4S] cluster. In addition, Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy identified an isolated Zn site with an S3(O/N)1 geometry in HdrB and the HDR holoenzyme. The N-terminal CCG domain is suggested to provide ligands to the Zn site.

Cationic exchange in nanosizedZnFe2O4spinel revealed by experimental and simulated near-edge absorption structure

The non-equilibrium cation site occupancy in nanosized zinc ferrites (6-13 nm) with different degree of inversion (0.2 to 0.4) was investigated using Fe and Zn K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy XANES and EXAFS, and magnetic measurements. The very good agreement between experimental and ab-initio calculations on the Zn K-edge XANES region clearly show the large Zn2+(A)--Zn2+[B] transference that takes place in addition to the well-identified Fe3+[B]--Fe3+(A) one, without altering the long-range structural order. XANES spectra features as a function of the spinel inversion were shown to depend on the configuration of the ligand shells surrounding the absorbing atom. This XANES approach provides a direct way to sense cationic inversion in these spinel compounds. We also demonstrated that a mechanical crystallization takes place on nanocrystalline spinel that causes an increase of both grain and magnetic sizes and, simultaneously, generates a significant augment of the inversion.

An X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of the nature of the zinc complex accumulated in Datura innoxia plant tissue culture

X-Ray absorption spectroscopy has proven to be a useful technique to investigate the nature of heavy metal complexes accumulated in metal tolerant and hyperaccumulating plant species. Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been used to determine the nature of the zinc center in Datura innoxia plant tissue culture exposed to 250 μM, 500 μM, and 1000 μM Zn 2+ for 4 days. Both edge and EXAFS data suggest that the zinc complex accumulated in D. innoxia cells is distinctly different from the types of zinc complexes expected to be associated with the accumulation, transport and storage of Zn 2+ in plants. In D. innoxia at the levels of Zn 2+ investigated, the X-ray absorption edges of Zn in the cell samples are similar to each other and occur at a similar energy to that of a complex between Zn 2+ and free histidine, however, the shape and intensity of the edge suggests that the zinc center in the cells is not identical to that of this model solution. EXAFS analysis suggests that the zinc center is 4 coordinate with mixed N/O ligation at an average distance of approximately 1.98 Å for the cells exposed to 250 μM and 500 μM Zn 2+. For cells exposed to 1000 μM Zn 2+, a 5 coordinate N/O zinc center with an average first shell bond length of 2.02 Å was indicated. These bond lengths are significantly shorter than the ∼2.06/2.07 Å bond length expected for a zinc-histidine or zinc-organic acid complexes and the ∼2.35 Å bond length expected for a zinc complex with cysteine (errors in bond length determined by EXAFS are 0.02 Å). Some possible interpretations of these results are that under the conditions of study, a zinc metalloenzyme is over expressed in the cells, or that a novel zinc-binding protein is produced by the cells.

Structural and functional characterization of the Zn(II) site in dimethylargininase-1 (DDAH-1) from bovine brain. Zn(II) release activates DDAH-1.

L-N(omega),N(omega)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH-1) is a Zn(II)-containing enzyme that, through hydrolysis of side-chain methylated l-arginines, regulates the activity of nitric-oxide synthase. Herein we report the structural and functional properties of the Zn(II)-binding site in DDAH-1 from bovine brain. Activity measurements of the native and metal-free enzyme have revealed that the endogenously bound Zn(II) inhibits the enzyme. Native DDAH-1 could be fully or partially activated using various concentrations of phosphate, imidazole, histidine, and histamine, a process that is paralleled by the release of Zn(II). The slow activation of the enzyme by the bulky complexing agents EDTA and 1,10-phenantroline suggests that the Zn(II)-binding site is partially buried in the protein structure. The apparent Zn(II)-dissociation constant of 4.2 nm, determined by 19F NMR using the chelator 5F-BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-amino-5-fluorophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid), lies in the range of intracellular free Zn(II) concentrations. These results suggest a regulatory role for the Zn(II)-binding site. The coordination environment of the Zn(II) in DDAH-1 has been examined by Zn K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The extended x-ray absorption fine structure observed is consistent with Zn(II) being coordinated by 2 S and 2 N (or O) atoms. The biological implications of these findings are discussed.