Elastic incoherent neutron scattering studies on glass forming hidrogen bonded systems

Neutron incoherent elastic scattering data have been collected on homologues disaccharides (trehalose, maltose, sucrose)/H2O mixtures as a function of temperature. The results show a dynamical transition at T~238 K, T~235 K and T~233 K for trehalose, maltose and sucrose/H2O mixtures, respectively, marking a cross-over in molecular fluctuations between harmonic and non-harmonic dynamical regimes, proving a higher 'rigidity' of trehalose mixture with respect to maltose and sucrose mixtures. This finding accounts for the higher cryptobiotic effectiveness of trehalose, namely a capability to encapsulate biostructures in a more rigid environment.