An inexpensive Raman modular spectrometer for solids

CHED 1364

Peter N. Larsen, plarsen@hollandpublicschools.org, Science Department, Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Avenue, Holland, MI 49423, Debra Johnson, johnsode@nmps.k12.mi.us, Science Department, North Muskegon High School, 1507 Mills Avenue, North Muskegon, MI 49445, and Stephanie Schaertel, schaerts@gvsu.edu, Department of Chemistry, Grand Valley State University, 357 Padnos Hall, Allendale, MI 49401.
We have shown that it is possible to construct a high-resolution Raman spectrometer capable of quickly collecting high-quality spectra from powders, pellets, minerals, and solid biological samples for a cost of less than $9000. The high-resolution allows for monitoring of subtle structural changes in molecules. Also, collection times are short, ranging from less than 1 minute for large samples to approximately 5 milliseconds for small samples. One exciting application is the detection of phosphorylation of amino acids. We have demonstrated that serine phosphorylation can be easily detected. Serine phosphorylation in proteins is a key step in many important cellular functions. Future work will focus on extending the capabilities of the spectrometer so that it can detect amino acid phosphorylation in whole proteins.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Physical Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007