EXPANSION OF RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE

For the purposes of the project "Programme for the development of scientific research, innovation transfer, internationalisation and education at Jan Dlugosz University" implemented under the Programme of the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the name Regional Excellence Initiative, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa purchased an FTIR spectrophotometer. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an advanced chemical analysis technique that enables the identification of organic and inorganic substances by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation. This technique is based on recording spectra in the infrared range, which allows for the analysis of the chemical structure of the materials studied. The FTIR spectrophotometer is a versatile analytical tool used in many fields of science and industry. Its ability to identify substances based on unique absorption spectra makes it indispensable in quality control, medical diagnostics, environmental protection and many other research areas.

The main applications of FTIR spectrophotometry are:

- Chemical industry
Identification of chemical compounds: FTIR enables the identification of substances by comparing the obtained spectra with databases.

Quality control: In the chemical industry, FTIR is used to verify the composition of raw materials, monitor production processes, and test final products.

Chemical Reaction Analysis: Ability to monitor reaction kinetics by tracking changes in the intensity of characteristic absorption bands over time.

- Pharmaceutical Industry
Ingredient Analysis: Enables the identification and quantification of active drug ingredients.

Contamination detection: FTIR allows for the detection of trace amounts of contaminants and unwanted by-products.

Polymorphism study: The FTIR technique is used to analyse different crystalline forms of active substances, which is crucial for the bioavailability of drugs.

- Environmental protection
Air pollution analysis: FTIR enables the detection and monitoring of gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Water and wastewater testing: Analysis of the chemical composition of water samples, identification of organic substances and their degradation.

Soil monitoring: Identification of organic pollutants such as pesticides or aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

- Food and beverage industry
Analysis of food composition: The use of FTIR to identify fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Adulteration detection: Testing the authenticity of food products, e.g. detecting vegetable oils in olive oil.

Quality control: Monitoring the composition and shelf life of products, e.g. detecting fat oxidation.

- Medical Sciences and Biotechnology
Biomolecule Analysis: FTIR enables the study of the structure of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

Medical diagnostics: Identification of disease biomarkers in blood, urine or tissue samples.

Microbiological testing: Detection and classification of microorganisms based on their characteristic spectra.

- Cosmetics industry
Cosmetics composition analysis: Identification of active ingredients, emulsifiers and preservatives.

Quality control: Monitoring the stability of products and detecting composition inconsistencies.

Dermatological testing: Assessment of the penetration of active substances through the skin.

- Archaeology and Conservation
Archaeological Materials: Identification of organic and inorganic materials used in ancient artifacts.

Art conservation: Study of the composition of paints, pigments, varnishes and other materials used in historic objects.

Dating of materials: Analysis of the degradation of organic compounds allows to determine the age of objects.

- Polymer industry
Polymer characterization: Identification of polymer type and analysis of degradation processes.

Material Quality Control: Evaluation of the purity and structure of polymers used in the production of plastics. Recycling studies: Verification of the composition of polymer waste and assessment of its reusability.

Co-financed by the Ministry of Science under the "Regional Excellence Initiative" Programme