Dielectric relaxation studies in amino acid - Tryptophan

The frequency and temperature dependence ac conductivity measurements in terms of Z, theta, and C have been made on Tryptophan in the frequency range of 42 Hz - 5 MHz and temperature range of 27-255 degrees C. This data has been used to calculate other parameters such as Z, Z", sigma, tan delta, epsilon' and epsilon" using standard relations and experimental constants. The frequency and temperature dependence of these parameters has been analysed and the results indicate relaxation peaks, which are observed to shift with increase in frequency. A detailed analysis of the data shows that the results can be explained in terms of dipolar relaxations with distribution of relaxation times as may be expected in tryptophan, which is naturally occurring alpha-amino acid with polar side chain property.