Quantum fluctuations, the Boson peak, and the glassy state of biomolecules

Abstract

It has been recognized in the literature that some physical properties of hydrated biomolecules, e.g., the occurrence of Boson peak, resembles of those of glassy state. In the present work is shown that quantum fluctuations play a fundamental role on describing the glassy state of biomolecules, specially at lower hydration levels. It is reported a remarkable linear dependence on the quantumness and the slope of the Boson peak frequency temperature dependence which would be used to classify de degree of quantum contributions to the glassy state by glasses in general. Finally, it is shown that the Boson peak two-bands spectral structure observed in some cases could be direct linked to the anisotropy of the material elastic properties.