Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Service

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a well-established spectroscopic technique widely applied in chemistry, biomedical research, environmental science, materials science, and food safety. By measuring a sample’s infrared light absorption characteristics, FTIR enables in-depth analysis of molecular structures, functional groups, bonding patterns, and material properties.

 

Technical Principles

FTIR is based on the vibrational frequency characteristics of chemical bonds. When infrared light irradiates a sample, specific bonds absorb light at frequencies that match their natural vibration, causing molecular energy level transitions. Each bond type (e.g., C=O, N-H, O-H, C-H) exhibits a unique absorption peak. The FTIR instrument captures an interferogram, which is then processed via Fourier transform to generate a full infrared absorption spectrum—used for identifying chemical structures and analyzing molecular interactions.

 



Muchaamba, F. et al. Methods Protoc. 2024.

Figure 1. The Principle of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

 

1. Key Information Provided by FTIR

• Functional group identification and structural confirmation (e.g., C=O, OH, NH₂)  
• Monitoring of molecular structure changes (e.g., during chemical reactions)  
• Crystallinity and impurity profiling of materials  
• Conformational analysis of biological macromolecules (e.g., α-helix, β-sheet in proteins)  
• Detection of intermolecular interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding)  
• Aggregation and stability monitoring (e.g., protein aggregation, polymer denaturation)  
• Membrane structure and surface modification assessment

 

2. Advantages and Limitations of FTIR

 

Table 1. The Advantages and Limitations of FTIR

Feature	Advantages	Limitations	Recommended Solutions
Non-destructive	Requires minimal sample preparation, allows repeat testing	Surface condition may affect data quality	Use ATR mode or control sample thickness
High adaptability	Compatible with solids, liquids, gases, gels, films, and coatings	Water may interfere with OH-region absorption	Use D₂O or dry samples to minimize water interference
Rich structural data	Detects diverse functional groups and tracks reactions	Lacks atomic resolution or sequence-level detail	Combine with LC-MS, NMR, or XRD for complementary information
Rapid analysis	One scan yields a full spectrum; ideal for high-throughput testing	Limited sensitivity for trace components	Integrate with chromatography or enrichment methods
Cost-effective	Low maintenance and operating costs	Limited quantitative capability in complex mixtures	Use pre-separation methods or 2D-IR for enhanced resolution

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

MtoZ Biolabs provides advanced Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Service for a wide range of sample types across both research and industry applications. We support multiple measurement modes (transmission, ATR, reflection) and temperature-controlled analysis, suitable for both basic research and product development. Our service include:

1. Functional group and structural identification of organic/inorganic compounds  

2. Protein and peptide secondary structure analysis and conformational monitoring  

3. Compatibility and stability assessment of active ingredients and excipients  

4. Polymer structural analysis and degradation tracking  

5. Surface modification analysis of biomaterials and detection of molecular interactions  

6. Monitoring of chemical synthesis and structural verification of modification processes  

 

Analysis Workflow

1. Sample Assessment and Preparation  

Selection of appropriate sample form and FTIR mode (ATR, transmission, diffuse reflection) based on sample type and research goal.

 

2. Spectrum Acquisition and Background Correction  

High-resolution FTIR scan with correction for water vapor, CO₂, and other background interference.

 

3. Data Processing  

Includes baseline correction, smoothing, normalization, second derivative analysis, and Fourier self-deconvolution.

 

4. Structural and Component Interpretation  

Peak assignment and analysis to determine functional groups, molecular interactions, or aggregation behavior.

 

5. Report Generation  

High-quality publication-ready spectra with expert interpretation and structural annotations. Optional integration with LC-MS, NMR, and other platforms is available for comprehensive analysis.

 

Service Advantages

✅ Broad sample compatibility: Supports solids, liquids, membranes, cells, polymers, nanoparticles, and more  

✅ Advanced instrumentation: Equipped for ATR, transmission, and reflection modes  

✅ Expert analysis team: Experienced in interpreting organic, inorganic, and biological spectra  

✅ Standardized workflow: Ensures high reproducibility for method validation, QC, or long-term monitoring  

✅ Multi-omics integration: Seamless combination with our LC-MS, CD, DLS, and NMR platforms for enhanced insights  

 

Applications

✅ Structural Biology: Monitoring protein conformation, aggregation, and interactions  

✅ Pharmaceutical and Biologics: Excipients compatibility, formulation stability, and API identity  

✅ Environmental and Food Safety: Detection and identification of pollutants, additives, and natural compounds  

✅Cell and Tissue Analysis: Membrane composition, histopathological changes, and cellular responses (e.g., FTIR imaging)  

 

Case study

1. Analysis of Protein–Protein and Protein–Membrane Interactions by Isotope-Edited Infrared Spectroscopy

 



Tatulian, SA. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2024.

Figure 2. Structural Effects Resulting from Interaction of SR Ca²⁺-ATPase with Uniformly ¹³C-Labeled PLB

 

FTIR is a reliable, efficient, and versatile tool for molecular structure analysis, offering strong support for both scientific research and industrial development. Backed by MtoZ Biolabs' multi-omics expertise and high-performance spectroscopy platform, our FTIR service delivers accurate, publication-grade data tailored to your specific research needs. To request a quote or sample submission guidelines, please contact us.