Day in the Life of Shannon ABC – Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

In the photo above, Dr. Hande Ermis is using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to observe promising results from her Irish Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship, focusing on plastic degradation by microalgae.

What is Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)?

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (also known as FTIR Analysis or FTIR Spectroscopy) is an analytical technique used to identify organic, polymeric, and, in some cases, inorganic materials. The FTIR analytical method utilises infrared light that is absorbed by the chemical compounds, creating a very specific spectrographic image This Image or spectrum is unique for every molecule that is capable of infrared light absorption, hence, the FTIR technique can Identify compounds of interest with fingerprint-accuracy. 

What is infrared light?

Infrared light (or infrared waves) is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which we encounter every day; the human eye cannot see it, but humans can detect it as heat, much like the heat from a domestic heater or an oven.

What does it mean when microalgae are degrading plastic?

When microalgae are said to be degrading plastic, it means that these microorganisms are involved in breaking down plastic materials through biological processes. Algae, particularly microalgae, can degrade plastic materials using enzymes synthesized by the microalgae themselves and plastic polymers as a source of carbon.