FT-IR solutions for effective characterisation of algal biomolecules for biofuels
FT-IR solutions
Algae are a promising source for the large amounts of biomass required for conversion into biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuels, though greater lipid yields are necessary to make the process more efficient. FT-IR, already used extensively to characterise the chemical composition of biological samples including bacteria, single cells and tissues, has been documented as a viable method for determining the protein, carbohydrate and lipid content in biomass from algae. The easy-to-use FT-IR-based automated sampling techniques combine instrumentation, accessories and software to greatly increase the number of biological samples that can be analysed with automated spectroscopy. Industry professionals can choose from among four different configurations: capitalising on ATR spectroscopy, transmission spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy and infrared microscopy to suit varying analytical requirements and sample preparation methods. This range of FT-IR sampling techniques, therefore, forms a basis for developing rapid screening methods to determine the lipid content of microbiological species intended for biofuels. A combination of the Nicolet iS10 FT-IR spectrometer configured with a Smart iTR diamond accessory or Smart OMNI-transmission accessory can be used to obtain spectra from dried algae. The Nicolet 6700 FT-IR system, equipped with an automated well plate reader and OMNIC Array Automation software analyses multiple samples in reflectance studies in a simple and low-cost manner. Finally, reliable infrared microscope transmission data can be obtained with the Nicolet 6700 and a Continuum infrared microscope configured with an automated X,Y stage.
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
