Optical properties of ovalbumin in 0.130-2.50 microm 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 microm (4000 cm(-1)). Films of ovalbumin suitable for optical analyses were prepared and measured in addition to solutions of ovalbumin in water. We show several examples of how the methods used in this study produced accurate results 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.