Real-time monitoring of trehalose crystallization using quantum cascade laser microscopy and 2D-COS

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure Vol. 1212; p. 128136
• Main Authors: Acevedo Rivera, Yesenia M., Meléndez, Michael, Pastrana-Ríos, Belinda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.07.2020
• Subjects: Crystallization; Dehydration; Hyperspectral imaging; Quantum cascade laser infrared microscope; Thermal perturbation; Trehalose; Two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy; Trehalose; Crystallization; Quantum cascade laser infrared microscope; Thermal perturbation; Two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy; Dehydration; Hyperspectral imaging
• ISSN: 0022-2860; 1872-8014
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128136

Molecular detail of the trehalose crystallization process was obtained during thermal perturbation through real-time monitoring using a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) microscope and 2D correlation spectroscopy. We were able to separate QCL IR spectral data based on the hyperspectral images acquired into key segments that defined the crystallization events: (1) trehalose in solution or the pre-transition phase, (2) nucleation and crystallization transition and (3) the crystal growth phase. Furthermore, the hyperspectral images allowed for the determination of the region of interest (ROI) allowing for the selection of QCL IR spectral data directly associated with the crystallization process. This approach allowed for the distinction of different types of intermolecular Hydrogen bonding interactions and dynamics involving α,α-trehalose with its aqueous environment, the dihydrate and between trehalose molecules. To our knowledge this is the first time that a real-time description of the molecular events that lead to trehalose crystallization have been described. [Display omitted] •A quantum cascade laser microscope was used for the real-time monitoring of trehalose crystallization.•65% (w/v) trehalose was subject to thermal stress causing the crystallization phenomena to occur.•2D IR synchronous plot was sensitive to the different stages of the crystallization process.•Correlations between key vibrational modes within trehalose with itself and H2O were made.