Interpretation of multiple Q(0,0) bands in the absorption spectrum of Mg-mesoporphyrin embedded in horseradish peroxidase

Mg-mesoporphyrin horseradish peroxidase (MgMP-HRP) and MgMP-HRP complexed with naphtohydroxamic acid (NHA) have been studied by fluorescence line narrowing (FLN) and pressure tuning spectral hole burning (SHB) techniques. In each sample, the low temperature absorption spectra show more than one transition in the origin range of the Q band. Comparisons with broad-band fluorescence spectra and FLN studies suggest that the multiple band feature originates from the presence of different configurations of the metal-porphyrin that are subject to Q(x)-Q(y) splitting within the protein cavity. This suggestion is supported by pressure tuning SHB studies. In the uncomplexed as well as in the NHA-complexed form of MgMP-HRP, irradiation in the Q band produces photoproduct bands, which has been attributed to a species with smaller Q(x)-Q(y) splitting. In an amorphous matrix, on the other hand, only one form of MgMP could be found, and no splitting could be observed. The binding of NHA does not significantly alter the bulk parameters of the protein matrix, but it reduces the structural variety in the configuration of MgMP to a single form with a more distorted structure and thus with an enlarged Q(x)-Q(y) splitting.