Water solvation dynamics in the bulk and in the hydration layer of proteins and self-assemblies

Abstract

Water solvation dynamics of polar species both in the bulk and in the hydration layers of proteins and self-organized assemblies have been discussed. Recent studies have revealed that while water solvation dynamics in the bulk is ultrafast and is mostly complete within 1 ps, this can slow down by as much as 2-3 orders of magnitude in the hydration layers of these systems. In this Report we discuss not only the ultrafast solvation dynamics in bulk water and the slow dynamics in the hydration layers, but also the relevant experimental, theoretical and computer simulation studies on various aspects of water dynamics in self-assemblies and confined geometries.