Time evolution of the Raman and fluorescence spectra of the D2O and H2O gelatin solutions during the sol-gel transition

Herewith we present the sensitive spectroscopic method which allows to moni tor the number of intermolecular bonds being created during the gelation pr ocess. We report the time evolution of the Raman and fluorescence spectra o bserved in the D2O and H2O gelatin solutions during the sol-gel transition. Comparison of the results obtained for the D2O solvent with that of the H2 O solvent points out the drastic influence of deuteration on the kinetics o f the gelation process. The change of the water Raman peaks profiles due to slow hydrogen-deuterium exchange indicates of the helix formation rate. (C ) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.