Optical properties of ovalbumin in 0.130-2.50 mu m spectral region

In our continuing series of measurements of the complex index of refraction for representative samples of biological materials, we measured ovalbumin (egg albumin) over the spectral region from 0.130 (76,923 cm(-1)) to 2.50 m um (4000 cm(-1)). Films of ovalbumin suitable for optical analyses were pre pared and measured in addition to solutions of ovalbumin in water. We show several examples of how the methods used in this study produced accurate re sults for this complex and difficult to measure material. The present work is applicable to quantitative optical studies involving ovalbumin and other serpin proteins, as well as the study of proteinaceous toxins. (C) 2001 Jo hn Wiley & Sons, Inc.