Raman and Micro-Raman Laboratory
CNR-IBF Laboratory - Technological Transfer Project "Oil Olive Quality Control" - POR Sicilia - Mis. 3.15-C
Laboratory directed by: Dr. Simone Agnello

Raman spectroscopy is used to study the vibrational modes of biological samples directly in aqueous systems, since the vibrations of H₂O are not Raman-activated. In addition, Raman is usually used to characterize and to study the variations in the protein polarity in the surrounding of Tyrosine residues, by a Raman doublet in the 820–860 cm^-1 interval. Moreover, it is possible to monitor the S-S conformation through the analysis of a broad band at about 510 cm^-1, giving information on the different configurations of the C_β–S–S–C_β disulfides bridges (ggg, ggt,…) and by the spectral changes visible in the region due to νC–S modes of Cys. Two different Raman spectrometers are available in the lab. Their main technical features are reported below.

Micro-Raman: Bruker SENTERRA Excitation wavelength: 532 nm (Nd:YAg Laser) Max power: 20 mW Detection: CCD (1024 x 128 pixels) Spectral Range: 4500-50 cm-1 Resolution: 3 cm-1 Reflection confocal Microscope: Olympus BX51, xy movement (up to 2 μm resolution), trinocular head with CCD camera

This laboratory is integrated in MeSIAM - Regional Laboratory of CNISM