Best of the Week: ATR Spectroscopy, Microplastics, Remembering Sir David McMurtry

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles touch upon several important application areas such as environmental analysis, protein analysis, and food analysis. Several key techniques are highlighted, including ATR spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

Breaking the Distortion Barrier for ATR Infrared Spectroscopy Measurements

In this study, researchers from the University of Bremen have developed a novel method to correct distortions in attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, improving the analysis of complex mixtures. Their model integrates Snell’s law, the Lorenz model, and Fresnel equations to address errors caused by high-refractive-index materials like carbon black and metal oxides (1). Their new method was validated through experiments with carbon black and toluene; the model aligns strongly with observed spectral shifts, enhancing accuracy (1). This advancement benefits industries like pharmaceuticals and environmental monitoring by ensuring reliable data. Future refinements can potentially address molecular interactions and particle size variations, positioning this innovation as a pivotal tool in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy applications (1).

FT-IR Spectroscopy for Microplastics Classification

Microplastics (MPs) is a hot topic in environmental analysis. MPs are tiny plastic particles under 5 mm, and they pose significant environmental and health risks (2). They infiltrate the air, soil, and water. Transported by wind, precipitation, and human activity, MPs threaten ecosystems like desert flora and fauna. A recent review article in Infrared Physics & Technology highlights Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy's role in identifying MPs by analyzing their chemical composition, particle size, and pollution sources (2). Although FT-IR excels in versatility, its limitations include difficulty detecting small particles and complex mixtures. Combined with complementary techniques like Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS), FT-IR remains pivotal in advancing microplastic detection and informing strategies to address this global environmental crisis (2).

ATR FT-IR: A New Vision on Protein Structure and Aggregation

A recent study by researchers from the University of Belgrade highlights the transformative potential of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy for analyzing protein structures. This versatile method not only provides insights into secondary structures, but it also excels at tracking aggregation processes, offering advantages over traditional techniques like X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (3).

Verifying Meat Origins Using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Because meat is an integral part of most consumers’ diets around the world, they are increasingly seeking traceability in meat products to ensure quality and authenticity. A recent study conducted by Nuria Prieto from the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, published in Food Research International, highlights how visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) paired with machine learning (ML) offers an eco-friendly method to verify meat origins (4). Analyzing beef from three feeding systems (barley, corn, grass-fed), the study used ML techniques—PLS-DA and L-SVM—to classify meat and fat with remarkable accuracy (4). PLS-DA achieved 100% success in many cases, outperforming L-SVM (4). This non-destructive approach supports sustainable practices, meeting consumer demands for accurate labeling and improved quality control in the meat industry.

Remembering Engineering Pioneer Sir David McMurtry

In this article, we reflect on the accomplishments and career of Sir David McMurtry, who, along with fellow Rolls-Royce engineer John Deer, founded Renishaw to commercialize the 3D touch-trigger probe (5). McMurtry recently passed away, and his impact on Renishaw and the scientific community are still being felt today.

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. Breaking the Distortion Barrier for ATR Infrared Spectroscopy Measurements. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/breaking-the-distortion-barrier-for-atr-infrared-spectroscopy-measurements (accessed 2024-12-19).
2. Wetzel, W. FT-IR Spectroscopy for Microplastics Classification. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ft-ir-spectroscopy-for-microplastic-classification (accessed 2024-12-19).
3. Workman, Jr., J. ATR FT-IR: A New Vision on Protein Structure and Aggregation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/atr-ft-ir-a-new-vision-on-protein-structure-and-aggregation (accessed 2024-12-19).
4. Wetzel, W. Verifying Meat Origins Using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/verifying-meat-origins-using-visible-and-near-infrared-spectroscopy (accessed 2024-12-19).
5. Workman, Jr., J. Remembering Engineering Pioneer Sir David McMurtry. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/remembering-engineering-pioneer-sir-david-mcmurtry (accessed 2024-12-19).