UV-Visible Spectrophotometry: Introduction, Quantification, Equipment and Biotechnological Applications

Abstract

The UV-Vis spectroscopy is very useful to determine molecules or aggregates with chromophore groups. These groups are regions that have double or triple bonds that can absorb energy to promote the electrons of these molecular orbitals to excited states. Then, these electrons will return to their basal level releasing the absorbed energy. These energetic transitions are all different depending on the double or triple bonds and the environment (if they present auxochromes or if there is a conjugated system). This allows to identify different molecular aggregates, complexes or molecules. In this way, it is possible to follow enzymatic reactions in real time or concentration of chelates formed.