Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy
Method Introduction
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy combines the power of an optical microscope with the analytical capabilities of FTIR spectroscopy. This combination is very useful for particle characterization and identification.
A significant benefit of FTIR microscopy is the possibility of distinguishing between non-proteinaceous and proteinaceous particles and identifying the nature of the non-proteinaceous particles. Our cutting-edge equipment allows us to analyze samples without needing liquid nitrogen cooling in transmission-, reflection- and attenuated total reflection (ATR) modes. This reduces the need for sample preparation and enables a variety of applications.
To perform FTIR microscopy, (sub)visible particles in a sample are first isolated on a filter, preferably a metal-coated membrane or a gold filter. Next, bright field images are taken from the particles, and IR spectra are obtained for each particle. By using either the ATR or the transmission mode, spectra from particles as small as ca. 20 µm can obtained. Light absorption due to molecular vibration is detected in the wavelength range from 0.8 to 1000 µm (usually expressed as wavenumbers from 12,500 cm-1 to 10 cm-1). The resulting spectra are used to identify a wide range of compounds by comparing the measured spectra to spectral databases or reference compounds provided by our clients.
Applications
FTIR microscopy is very powerful for troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. Coriolis offers FTIR microscopy as a stand-alone service or as part of a particle identification study or formulation development program.
Quality and Biosafety Level
We provide all our analytical services with the highest quality standards. Experienced scientists carry out each project, and every scientific reviewer comprehensively checks every report or data presentation.
We offer this technology with the following quality and biosafety levels:
R&D level
We offer this method under R&D. Our GRP system assures the highest-quality research standards.
Up to biosafety level 2
This method can be applied to nucleic acids, viruses, cells, viral vectors, including lentiviruses and more.
Analytical Method Development, Qualification and Validation
For common sample types, we can often apply standardized methods with little setup effort. However, when needed, our experienced analytical experts create or optimize custom methods tailored to your active pharmaceutical ingredient, product type and development phase.
Talk to Our Experts or Request a Quote
Our expert team is ready to answer your questions and guide you to the services best suited to your program’s modality, stage and challenge. If your needs are well-defined, we’ll begin the quotation process.