Illuminating Opportunities for FT-IR Microscopy
Take this 10-question quiz on cutting-edge chemistry applications for infrared microscopy
1
Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microscopy fuses conventional light microscopy with FT-IR spectroscopy. Together, these techniques provide information about chemical characterization and which of the following?
Absolute configuration of stereocenters
D
D
Thermal imaging
C
C
Quantitative concentrations
B
B
Spatial position
A
A
FT-IR microscopy identifies and analyzes areas of interest within a sample. An FT-IR image can be overlaid with a visible light image of the same sample. Whereas the visible light image is low contrast and difficult to analyze alone, the chemical information provided by the FT-IR image can clearly distinguish areas of interest within the sample.
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Correct!!
Correct!!
Bruker. “Guide to FT-IR Microscopy.” Accessed April 18. 2022, https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/what-is-ft-ir-microscopy.html.
Sources
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Answer is A:
Spatial position
Image Credit: Bruker
Image Credit: Shutterstock
All of the above
D
D
Fibers
C
C
Hair
B
B
Paint chips
A
A
FT-IR microscopy is nondestructive, requires minimal sample preparation, and can extract chemical information from very small samples. These characteristics make it ideal for the analysis and characterization of forensic evidence, including which of the following?
2
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Bruker Optics. “Application Note MIC420: Forensic Car Paint Chip Analysis by QCL and FT-IR.” 2021. https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/hyperion-ii-ft-ir-and-qcl-microscope.html.
Sources
Visible light microscopes provide information about the physical features of paint chips, hair, and fibers, allowing forensic scientists to assign them to general types or classes. The unique chemical information supplied by FT-IR spectroscopy can strengthen evidence that ties the sample to a particular source, place, or individual. For example, FT-IR can detect residue on hair from personal care products like hairspray and can distinguish the layers of primers, paint, and protective resins within automotive paint chips.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Answer is D:
All of the above
Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Application Note 51517: FT-IR Microspectroscopy in Forensic and Crime Lab Analysis.” 2013. https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/AN51517-E-ForensicCrime1013M-H-0115.pdf.
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Image Credit: Shutterstock
All of the above
D
D
May offer information about the manufacturing process
C
C
Does not require pretreatment, preserving the sample
B
B
Can analyze homogeneous or heterogeneous tablets
A
A
FT-IR microscopy can be used to evaluate the quality of pharmaceutical tablets at manufacturing facilities and can aid investigators in examining illicit drug tablets. Which of the following advantages does FT-IR microscopy provide in these situations?
3
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FT-IR microscopy provides a straightforward way to characterize active ingredients, binders, or other additives in a tablet mixture. Accessing banks of reference spectra can quickly confirm the identity of known materials or determine the identity of unknown components.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Answer is D:
All of the above
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Quantify allergens
D
D
Predict defects
C
C
Spot undesirable temperature changes
B
B
Identify contaminants
A
A
FT-IR microscopy is used in the food, electronics, and plastics industries for quality assurance and control because it helps meet which of the following needs?
4
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Wiley Analytical Science. “FTIR Microscope Identifies Contaminants and Defects. 2017. https://analyticalscience.wiley.com/do/10.1002/micro.2182/full/.
Bruker Optics. “Application Note MIC419: High-Throughput Screening of Surface Contaminations by Infrared Laser Imaging (QCL).” 2021. https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/hyperion-ii-ft-ir-and-qcl-microscope.html.
Sources
Defective or contaminated materials can be analyzed by a full scan or by scanning only a handful of specified points.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Answer is A:
Identify contaminants
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Quantifying radicals during exposure to light or heat
D
D
Evaluating the effectiveness of protective treatments
C
C
Identifying the protein binders used in paints
B
B
Analyzing areas of degradation and discoloration
A
A
Historians and art conservators use FT-IR microscopy to study the materials and techniques employed in the paintings of influential artists. This aids in all but which of the following tasks?
5
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FT-IR microscopy can map the surface of artworks and analyze cross-sections of paint samples. In doing so, art experts can identify natural protein binders, such as casein, gelatin, egg white and yolk, which artists mixed with their pigments to get them to bind together and adhere to the canvas, stone, or other support. Understanding the composition of paints can better inform restoration and preservation efforts.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Answer is D:
Quantifying radicals during exposure to light and heat
Image Credit: Bruker
D
D
C
C
B
B
-1
A
A
In studies of whole cells, FT-IR microscopy can discern proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. The method can track changes in these biomolecules associated with disease. Which IR absorption band is associated with the carbonyl of a lipid ester in a biological IR spectrum?
6
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Su, Kar-Yan and Wai-Leng Lee. “Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as a Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Tool: A Review and Prospects.” Cancers (Jan. 2020).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7017192/.
Bogomolny, E., S. Argov, S. Mordechai, and M. Huleihel. “Monitoring of Viral Cancer Progression Using FTIR Microscopy: A Comparative Study of Intact Cells and Tissues. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. (Sept. 2008). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2008.05.008.
Sources
FT-IR microscopy has yet to be implemented in a clinical setting to diagnose disease, but researches are already using it to study biomolecular changes in cancer cells.
Image Credit: Shuterstock
Coherent light reflecting more efficiently off samples
D
D
A greater span of spectral frequencies than traditional systems
C
C
The narrowness of the beam
B
B
The brightness of the beam
A
A
Studying cells and tissues in aqueous environments with traditional FT-IR instruments is hampered by the high absorbance coefficient of water in the mid-IR region, which drowns out signals of interest. But instruments equipped with a quantum cascade laser (QCL) radiation source can overcome this challenge because of which of the following?
7
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Haase, K., N. Kröger-Lui, A. Pucci, A. Schönhals, and W. Petrich. “Real-Time Mid-infrared Imaging of Living Microorganisms.” J. Biophotonics. (Jan. 2016). https://DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201500264.
Sources
Studies have used synchrotron FT-IR spectroscopy to enhance brightness and improve signal-to-noise ratios in spectra of aqueous samples. Beamline access is limited and requires special protocols, however. On the other hand, QCL radiation sources can be integrated into benchtop FT-IR instruments.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Image Credit: Bruker
Concentration of microplastics in the sample
D
D
Polymer material
C
C
Size distribution of particles
B
B
Number of particles
A
A
FT-IR microscopy can contribute to environmental studies, such as analyses of microplastics in water or soil samples, by providing information about all but which of the following?
8
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Chen, R., and J. Lynch. “The Role of FTIR Microscopes in Easing the Challenges in Microplastics Research.” Azo Mater. (March 2021). https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=19900.
Bradley, M., S. Woods, S. Lowry, and S. Sukumaran. “Tracking Microplastics in the Environment via FT-IR Microscopy.” Spectrosc. Suppl. (Aug. 2017).
https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/hyperion-ii-ft-ir-and-qcl-microscope.html.
Sources
Software can automatically analyze polymers based on FT-IR microscopy scans. Because samples of microplastics are usually isolated by filtration before analysis, however, concentration data cannot be determined from this method.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Image Credit: Shutterstock
<10 μm
D
D
100 μm
C
C
500 μm
B
B
1 mm
A
A
Polymer laminates are common in food packaging and other products. Typically, each layer in a polymer laminate confers a desirable property—strength, flexibility, or protection from moisture or oxygen. FT-IR microscopy is a useful tool for evaluating these materials, which may contain layers as thin as which of the following?
9
Image Credit: Bruker
Minerals like halite and galena
D
D
Fossils
C
C
Volcanic materials
B
B
Coal and shale
A
A
FT-IR microscopy is used in the characterization and classification of all but which of the following geological samples?
10
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Ventura, G. D., A. Marcelli, and F. Bellatreccia. “SR-FTIR Microscopy and FTIR Imaging in the Earth Sciences.” Rev. Mineral. Geochem. (Jan. 2014). https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2014.78.11.
Chen, Y., C. Zou, M. Mastalerz, S. Hu, C. Gasaway, and X. Tao. “Applications of Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in the Geological Sciences—A Review.” Int. J. Mol. Sci. (Dec. 2015). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161226227.
Sources
Most geological samples contain functional groups or organic components that can be analyzed by FT-IR microscopy. Volcanic rocks and minerals may contain CO2 and H2O. Coal and shale contain remnants of decayed organic matter. The nondestructive nature of FT-IR spectroscopy is particularly useful for characterizing fossils. But minerals such as halite and galena do not absorb in the IR spectral window.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Answer is D: Minerals like halite and galena
Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Application Note 51517: FT-IR Microspectroscopy in Forensic and Crime Lab Analysis.” 2013. https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/AN51517-E-ForensicCrime1013M-H-0115.pdf.
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Bruker Optics. “Pharmaceutical Quality Control and Failure Analysis.” 2021.
https://www.failure-analysis-ftir.com/pharmaceuticals.html.
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Sources
Defective or contaminated materials can be analyzed by a full scan or by scanning only a handful of specified points.
Dallongeville, S., N. Garnier, C. Rolando, and C. Tokarski. “Proteins in Art, Archaeology, and Paleontology: From Detection to Identification.” Chem. Rev. (Jan. 13, 2016). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00037.
Prati, S., E. Joseph, E. Sciutto, and R. Mazzeo. “New Advances in the Application of FTIR Microscopy and Spectroscopy for the Characterization of Artistic Materials.” Chem. Res. (June 15, 2010). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/ar900274f.
3080-2800 cm
-1
1745-1725 cm
-1
1700-1500 cm
-1
1200-900 cm
Bruker. “Guide to FT-IR Microscopy.” Accessed April 18. 2022, https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/what-is-ft-ir-microscopy.html.
Sources
FT-IR microscopy identifies and analyzes areas of interest within a sample. An FT-IR image can be overlaid with a visible light image of the same sample. Whereas the visible light image is low contrast and difficult to analyze alone, the chemical information provided by the FT-IR image can clearly distinguish areas of interest within the sample.
Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Application Note 51517: FT-IR Microspectroscopy in Forensic and Crime Lab Analysis.” 2013. https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/AN51517-E-ForensicCrime1013M-H-0115.pdf.
Bruker Optics. “Application Note MIC420: Forensic Car Paint Chip Analysis by QCL and FT-IR.” 2021. https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/hyperion-ii-ft-ir-and-qcl-microscope.html.
Sources
Visible light microscopes provide information about the physical features of paint chips, hair, and fibers, allowing forensic scientists to assign them to general types or classes. The unique chemical information supplied by FT-IR spectroscopy can strengthen evidence that ties the sample to a particular source, place, or individual. For example, FT-IR can detect residue on hair from personal care products like hairspray and can distinguish the layers of primers, paint, and protective resins within automotive paint chips.
Bruker Optics. “Pharmaceutical Quality Control and Failure Analysis.” 2021.
https://www.failure-analysis-ftir.com/pharmaceuticals.html.
Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Application Note 51517: FT-IR Microspectroscopy in Forensic and Crime Lab Analysis.” 2013. https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/AN51517-E-ForensicCrime1013M-H-0115.pdf.
Sources
FT-IR microscopy provides a straightforward way to characterize active ingredients, binders, or other additives in a tablet mixture. Accessing banks of reference spectra can quickly confirm the identity of known materials or determine the identity of unknown components.
Wiley Analytical Science. “FTIR Microscope Identifies Contaminants and Defects. 2017. https://analyticalscience.wiley.com/do/10.1002/micro.2182/full/.
Bruker Optics. “Application Note MIC419: High-Throughput Screening of Surface Contaminations by Infrared Laser Imaging (QCL).” 2021. https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/hyperion-ii-ft-ir-and-qcl-microscope.html.
Next Question
Next Question
Dallongeville, S., N. Garnier, C. Rolando, and C. Tokarski. “Proteins in Art, Archaeology, and Paleontology: From Detection to Identification.” Chem. Rev. (Jan. 13, 2016). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00037.
Prati, S., E. Joseph, E. Sciutto, and R. Mazzeo. “New Advances in the Application of FTIR Microscopy and Spectroscopy for the Characterization of Artistic Materials.” Chem. Res. (June 15, 2010). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/ar900274f.
Sources
FT-IR microscopy can map the surface of artworks and analyze cross-sections of paint samples. In doing so, art experts can identify natural protein binders, such as casein, gelatin, egg white and yolk, which artists mixed with their pigments to get them to bind together and adhere to the canvas, stone, or other support. Understanding the composition of paints can better inform restoration and preservation efforts.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Next Question
Next Question
Su, Kar-Yan and Wai-Leng Lee. “Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as a Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Tool: A Review and Prospects.” Cancers (Jan. 2020).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7017192/.
Bogomolny, E., S. Argov, S. Mordechai, and M. Huleihel. “Monitoring of Viral Cancer Progression Using FTIR Microscopy: A Comparative Study of Intact Cells and Tissues. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. (Sept. 2008). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2008.05.008.
Sources
FT-IR microscopy has yet to be implemented in a clinical setting to diagnose disease, but researches are already using it to study biomolecular changes in cancer cells.
Spadea, A., J. Denbigh, M. J. Lawrence, M. Kansiz, and P. Gardner. “Analysis of Fixed and Live Single Cells Using Optical Photothermal Infrared with Concomitant Raman Spectroscopy.” Anal Chem. (March 2021).
https://dx.doi.org/10.1021%2Facs.analchem.0c04846.
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Next Question
Spadea, A., J. Denbigh, M. J. Lawrence, M. Kansiz, and P. Gardner. “Analysis of Fixed and Live Single Cells Using Optical Photothermal Infrared with Concomitant Raman Spectroscopy.” Anal Chem. (March 2021).
https://dx.doi.org/10.1021%2Facs.analchem.0c04846.
Haase, K., N. Kröger-Lui, A. Pucci, A. Schönhals, and W. Petrich. “Real-Time Mid-infrared Imaging of Living Microorganisms.” J. Biophotonics. (Jan. 2016). https://DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201500264.
Sources
Studies have used synchrotron FT-IR spectroscopy to enhance brightness and improve signal-to-noise ratios in spectra of aqueous samples. Beamline access is limited and requires special protocols, however. On the other hand, QCL radiation sources can be integrated into benchtop FT-IR instruments.
Next Question
Next Question
Chen, R., and J. Lynch. “The Role of FTIR Microscopes in Easing the Challenges in Microplastics Research.” Azo Mater. (March 2021). https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=19900.
Bradley, M., S. Woods, S. Lowry, and S. Sukumaran. “Tracking Microplastics in the Environment via FT-IR Microscopy.” Spectrosc. Suppl. (Aug. 2017).
https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/hyperion-ii-ft-ir-and-qcl-microscope.html.
Sources
Software can automatically analyze polymers based on FT-IR microscopy scans. Because samples of microplastics are usually isolated by filtration before analysis, however, concentration data cannot be determined from this method.
Correct!!
Correct!!
Next Question
Next Question
Bruker. “Frequently Asked Questions about FT-IR Microscopy. 2022. https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/what-is-ft-ir-microscopy.html.
Larson, R. A., J. Koshoubu, K. Akao, H. Sugiyama, and K. Tamura. “FT-IR Microscopic Analysis of Polymer Laminate Samples Including Transmission and ATR Spectroscopy.” Spectrosc. Suppl. (Aug. 2016). https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ft-ir-microscopic-analysis-polymer-laminate-samples-including-transmission-and-atr-spectroscopy.
Depending on the measurement technique, microscope, and detector used to analyze a sample, FT-IR microscopy can image objects on the order of 1 μm, which is the diffraction limit of infrared light.
Sources
Next Question
Next Question
Bruker. “Frequently Asked Questions about FT-IR Microscopy. 2022. https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/ft-ir-microscopes/what-is-ft-ir-microscopy.html.
Larson, R. A., J. Koshoubu, K. Akao, H. Sugiyama, and K. Tamura. “FT-IR Microscopic Analysis of Polymer Laminate Samples Including Transmission and ATR Spectroscopy.” Spectrosc. Suppl. (Aug. 2016). https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ft-ir-microscopic-analysis-polymer-laminate-samples-including-transmission-and-atr-spectroscopy.
Sources
Depending on the measurement technique, microscope, and detector used to analyze a sample, FT-IR microscopy can image objects on the order of 1 μm, which is the diffraction limit of infrared light.
Answer is D: <10 μm
Woods, John. “Application of Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) for Mineral Quantification.” Explore (March 2019), https://www.appliedgeochemists.org/sites/default/files/documents/
Explore%20issues/EXPLORE182%20March%202019.pdf.pdf.
Woods, John. “Application of Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) for Mineral Quantification.” Explore (March 2019), https://www.appliedgeochemists.org/sites/default/files/documents/
Explore%20issues/EXPLORE182%20March%202019.pdf.pdf.
Ventura, G. D., A. Marcelli, and F. Bellatreccia. “SR-FTIR Microscopy and FTIR Imaging in the Earth Sciences.” Rev. Mineral. Geochem. (Jan. 2014). https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2014.78.11.
Chen, Y., C. Zou, M. Mastalerz, S. Hu, C. Gasaway, and X. Tao. “Applications of Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in the Geological Sciences—A Review.” Int. J. Mol. Sci. (Dec. 2015). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161226227.
Sources
Most geological samples contain functional groups or organic components that can be analyzed by FT-IR microscopy. Volcanic rocks and minerals may contain CO2 and H2O. Coal and shale contain remnants of decayed organic matter. The nondestructive nature of FT-IR spectroscopy is particularly useful for characterizing fossils. But minerals such as halite and galena do not absorb in the IR spectral window.
Answer is A:
Spatial position
Answer is D:
All of the above
Answer is D:
All of the above
Answer is A:
Identify contaminants
Answer is D:
Quantifying radicals during exposure to light and heat
Answer is B:
1745–1725 cm
-1
-1
Answer is B:
1745–1725 cm
Answer is A:
The brightness of the beam
Answer is D:
The concentration of microplastics in the sample
Answer is A:
The brightness of the beam
Answer is D:
The concentration of microplastics in the sample
Answer is D: <10 μm
Answer is D: Minerals like halite and galena
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