Terahertz absorption characteristics of guar gum determined via microfluidic technology

Abstract

The vibrational energy levels of many biomolecules correspond to the terahertz band; thus, terahertz technology can be used to identify these substances. Moreover, as the biological activity of most biomolecules can be observed only in aqueous solution, the characteristics of such biomolecules must be studied in aqueous solution. In this study, a simple microfluidic chip, a temperature control device and a strong electric field device were designed to study the terahertz absorption characteristics of guar gum for different temperatures, concentrations and electric field exposure durations, thus enabling the use of terahertz technology to analyse the characteristics of guar gum.

Terahertz Spectral Characteristics of Konjac Gum Determined via Microfluidic Technology

“…However, when the concentration of konjac gum solution is low (<0.4%), the increase in the viscosity is relatively small [16]. With the increase in viscosity, the forces between molecular chains increase, the number of hydrogen bonds increases, and consequently, the THz absorption of konjac gum rises [10]. In this study, the highest concentration of konjac gum solution is 0.3% such that the increase in the number of hydrogen bonds because of the increase in viscosity is miniscule.…”

“…e study demonstrates that in the absence of an external electric eld, the orientation of molecules in the solution is disordered, and the optical anisotropy e ect of each molecule is canceled out. Under the action of an applied electric eld, the molecules are arranged along the direction of the electric eld, which increases the rigidity of the molecular chain [10], as shown in Figure 11. With the increase in the exposure time of the konjac gum solution in the electric eld, the e ect of electric eld force may disengage the acetyl group on the side chain of KGM molecule, enhancing the agglomeration ability of KGM molecules [21] and increasing the hydrogen bonding between molecules.…”

“…e interaction between hydrated molecules in solution involves various biological phenomena, commonly known as hydration [10]. Hydrogen bonds between water molecules strongly interact with THz waves, and therefore, water exhibits strong absorption of THz radiation.…”