Diffusive Properties of α,α-Trehalose-Water Solutions

In the present work the results of an experimental study on trehalose aqueous solutions, performed by means of Photon Correlation Spectroscopy and Incoherent Quasi Elastic Neutron Scattering measurements, are reported and discussed. The experimental findings allow to separate the self- and collective contributions, revealing the presence of two distinct translational diffusive mechanisms which have been assigned to the continuous translational diffusion of the trehalose molecules and to the translational jump diffusion of the water molecules. Furthermore, the comparison between the self- and the collective diffusion coefficient, furnishes useful information on the interaction nature among the hydrated trehalose molecules.