Understanding the dynamic crystallization of glucose through Raman and terahertz spectroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy offers an opportunity for label-free, non-invasive, and non-destructive analysis methods that can detect subtle changes in biomolecules. Two complementary methods of vibrational spectroscopy that offer these advantages are Raman spectroscopy – with its sensitivity to intramolecular modes – and terahertz spectroscopy – with its sensitivity to intermolecular modes. This thesis investigates the crystallization of amorphous glucose using dynamic Raman and terahertz spectroscopy. The findings show that Raman spectroscopy captures the anomeric conversion of α and β anomers, while THz spectroscopy reveals the change from amorphous to crystalline morphology. Together, the orthogonal capabilities of these technologies can be used to gain a deeper understanding of intramolecular and intermolecular characteristics of glucose.Applied Science, Faculty ofEngineering, School of (Okanagan)Graduat