Cryo-bioorganic chemistry: molecular interactions at low temperature

Freezing of aqueous or organic solutions plays a pivotal role in enhancement of rate and/or yield of biomolecular reactions. The smooth conditions of the frozen state at low temperature can also suppress racemization and side-product formation of the reactions. Molecular interactions in liquid undercooled solutions, on the other hand, offer the possibility to study enzyme activity mechanisms in vitro and a chance for survival of organisms in vivo. This review illustrates the differences between frozen and liquid conditions on several small and large biomolecules, together with the synthetic use of freezing. In relation to the freezing effect on enzyme activity, a peculiar phenomenon is discussed: 'cryo-oscillations' are temporal motions of trypsin activity in frozen solution in the presence of Mn2+ ion. The molecular basis of cold adaptation is also discussed, which points to mechanisms evolved by organisms living at subzero temperatures. The factors involved in the freezing effect are shown; i.e. the role of freeze-concentration and frozen solvent surface is demonstrated and elucidated using several examples.