In a recent collaborative work, the molecular mechanism of the interactions between macromolecules and Hofmeister cations is elucidated. Although all metal cations are on average depleted from the macromolecule/water interface, more strongly hydrated metal cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) are able to locally accumulate around the amide oxygen. Such weakly favorable interactions aided partially offset of the salting-out effect. Surprisingly, the cations approach the interface together with chloride counter anions as solvent-shared ion pairs. (read more…)
