Applications of attenuated total reflection in the infrared analysis of carbohydrates and biological whole cell samples in aqueous solution

An analysis of simple carbohydrates was undertaken using attenuated total reflection (ATR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Spectra were obtained of glucose in aqueous solution and the results were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed for three new ATR accessories. The same method was then used to study glucose in the presence of sucrose in aqueous solution. A study has also been made of whole plant cells including the yeasts Pelargonium sp. and Triticum sp. and the spectra obtained have been used to determine cellular components and to monitor the enzymatic digestion of the cell wall material in the formation of protoplast.