Vibrational raman spectroscopic study of scytonemin, the UV-protective cyanobacterial pigment
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Ultrafast Time-resolved Near-IR Stimulated Raman Measurements of Functional π-conjugate Systems
Published on: February 10, 2020
H G Edwards1, F Garcia-Pichel, E M Newton
1Chemical and Forensic Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. h.g.m.edwards@bradford.ac.uk
Abstract:
The Raman spectrum of the photoprotective pigment scytonemin found in cyanobacterial sheaths has been obtained for the first time. Its skeletal structure is extensively conjugated and unique in nature. Detailed molecular vibrational assignments are proposed and a distinctive group of four corroborative vibrational bands have been identified as unique indicators for the compound. These bands, especially a prominent feature at wavenumber 1590 cm(-1), are sufficiently conspicuous to be detectable in the mixed biomolecular pools of undisturbed natural microbial communities. This has been confirmed by demonstrating the Raman spectral bands for scytonemin in a sample of an intact intertidal cyanobacterial mat.
Related Concept Videos
Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview
UV–Vis Spectroscopy of Conjugated Systems
One of the factors influencing λmax is the extent of conjugation in the...
IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview
Stretching vibrations are vibrational motions that occur along the bond line, changing the bond length or distance between two bonded atoms. They are further distinguished as symmetric or asymmetric. In symmetric stretching, the...
