NMR study of diffusion in protein hydration shells

Water diffusion coefficients have been measured in myoglobin single crystals and bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions by the aid of the NMR field-gradient technique. The temperature and the concentration dependences have been determined. The diffusion coefficients in the myoglobin single crystals and in the hydration water of the BSA solutions indicate a strikingly high mobility of the water molecules. Percolation transitions have been observed with respect to the hydration shells and the free water phase as well.