M.Sc. Federico Baserga
Exploring how "simpler" concepts in physics and chemistry quickly develop into complex structures in nature always fascinated me. Oddly enough, I discovered my interest in biological systems while working on my theoretical bachelor’s thesis. After graduating from the University of Insubria in Como, I decided to pursue my studies at the Freie Universität Berlin.
In my master’s, I focused on the field of biophysics. I graduated in April 2017 with a thesis on the mitochondrial membrane protein Cytochrome c Oxidase. My thesis explored how applying different electrical potentials to this protein affects the redox states of the metals inside it, and how this leads to structural changes in its structure.
After my master’s, I quickly jumped into my PhD, in which I continue to study Heme-containing proteins. Using lasers and IR spectroscopy, I attempt to answer new experimental questions. I also construct fluidic and gas cells, which I consider a very satisfactory part of my work.
Department of Physics
Institute of Experimental Physics
Experimental Molecular Biophysics
PhD Candidate
Room 1.1.35
14195 Berlin
- Federico Baserga, born 1988 in Como (IT).
- Bachelor of science 2014, Università degli studi dell'Insubria
- Master of science 2017, Freie Universität Berlin
My research interest is to investigate the catalytic cycle of Cytochrome c Oxidase (CcO). This is an extremely important enzyme in our body: it is mainly in CcO that the oxygen we breathe is used as a substrate, contributing to the proton motive force necessary for ATP synthesis. Nevertheless, we still do not understand completely how this enzyme performs its catalysis. Using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, as well as visible spectroscopy, I employ electrochemical and chemical methods to poise and study physiologically relevant states. Using time-resolved IR spectroscopy and Quantum Cascade Lasers, I monitor reactions caused by different triggers.
Baserga F, Storm J, Schlesinger R, heberle J and Stripp ST
The catalytic reaction of cytochrome c oxidase probed by in situ gas titrations and FTIR difference spectroscopy
Biochim. Biophys. Acta Bioenerg. 1864:4 (2023). doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2023.149000
Baserga F, Vorkas A, Crea F, Schubert L, Chen J-L, Redlich A, La Greca M, Storm J, Oldemeyer S, Hoffmann K, Schlesinger R and Heberle J
Membrane Protein Activity Induces Specific Molecular Changes in Nanodiscs Monitored by FTIR Difference Spectroscopy
Front. Mol. Biosci. 9:915328 (2022); doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.915328
Baserga F, Dragelj J, Kozuch J, Mohrmann H, Knapp E-W, Stripp ST and Heberle J
Quantification of Local Electric Field Changes at the Active Site of Cytochrome c Oxidase by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroelectrochemical Titrations
Front. Chem. 9:669452 (2021); doi: 10.3389/fchem.2021.669452