Electrooptical behavior of heme-like molecules adsorbed on nerve membrane.

This paper discusses the electrooptical properties of iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (Fe-TsPc) adsorbed on a nerve membrane. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the properties of an aqueous solution of Fe-TsPc and the properties of Fe-TsPc adsorbed on a silver electrode. The resonant Raman spectra were obtained from the adsorbed Fe-TsPc on the interfaces of a silver electrode and the nerve membrane. Considerable optical signal changes have been observed when the interfacial potential is altered. The Raman spectra are sufficiently sensitive to indicate the submolecular mechanisms of electron delocalization. The changes in Raman signals as a function of the interfacial potential provide a means for optically monitoring electrical excitability in nerve.