Raman spectroscopy and microspectrophotometry of reactive dyes on cotton fibres: analysis and detection limits.

A collaborative study on Raman spectroscopy and microspectrophotometry (MSP) was carried out by members of the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) European Fibres Group (EFG) on different dyed cotton fabrics. The detection limits of the two methods were tested on two cotton sets with a dye concentration ranging from 0.5 to 0.005% (w/w). This survey shows that it is possible to detect the presence of dye in fibres with concentrations below that detectable by the traditional methods of light microscopy and microspectrophotometry (MSP). The MSP detection limit for the dyes used in this study was found to be a concentration of 0.5% (w/w). At this concentration, the fibres appear colourless with light microscopy. Raman spectroscopy clearly shows a higher potential to detect concentrations of dyes as low as 0.05% for the yellow dye RY145 and 0.005% for the blue dye RB221. This detection limit was found to depend both on the chemical composition of the dye itself and on the analytical conditions, particularly the laser wavelength. Furthermore, analysis of binary mixtures of dyes showed that while the minor dye was detected at 1.5% (w/w) (30% of the total dye concentration) using microspectrophotometry, it was detected at a level as low as 0.05% (w/w) (10% of the total dye concentration) using Raman spectroscopy. This work also highlights the importance of a flexible Raman instrument equipped with several lasers at different wavelengths for the analysis of dyed fibres. The operator and the set up of the analytical conditions are also of prime importance in order to obtain high quality spectra. Changing the laser wavelength is important to detect different dyes in a mixture.

Homeostasis of mucosal cholesterol in the small intestine of the rat.

This study was undertaken to investigate the capacity of the intestinal mucosa to maintain a constant cholesterol content under conditions where mucosal uptake or cholesterol transport into the lymph were manipulated. Two series of bile-diverted unanaesthetised rats were infused intraduodenally with saline, triolein emulsified with Pluronic F68, or taurocholate with or without added tomatine. Pluronic F68 is a nontoxic detergent which promotes mucosal uptake of polar lipids but not cholesterol. Tomatine is a cholesterol-binding saponin. One series of rats was used for measuring mucosal cholesterol content, DNA and protein after the test infusions. A second series of rats had the thoracic lymph duct cannulated but otherwise remained the same as the first series. The second series was used for measuring the effect of the different infusions on mass cholesterol output into lymph. Mucosal cholesterol content of rats that were not fed decreased with bile-diversion and was restored with taurocholate infusion. This suggested a contribution of luminal cholesterol to the mucosal cholesterol pool. However, evidence for a contribution from the lumen was provided by only one of two groups of rats given infusions which did not promote mucosal uptake of cholesterol. First, addition of tomatine to the taurocholate infusate prevented both the increase in lymph output of cholesterol and the increased mucosal cholesterol content shown in rats given taurocholate alone. Second, in another group of rats in which mucosal uptake of cholesterol was prevented, i.e. in rats given Pluronic F68-triolein emulsions, the increased fat absorption was accompanied by a marked increase in cholesterol output into lymph without a concomitant decrease in mucosal cholesterol content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)