Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements of individual, live HeLa cells in culture and buffer media are presented. Spectral data were acquired using a newly designed live cell chamber developed in the authors' laboratory. Data were processed using MATLAB-based routines that correct for the overcompensation of water encountered during live cell measurements in aqueous samples. Data presented are from live cells monitored over an extended period of time as well as a comparison of live cells exposed to perturbing conditions.

We have optimized an imaging methodology capable of monitoring individual live HeLa cells using non-synchrotron FTIR in an aqueous environment. This methodology, in combination with MATLAB based pre-processing techniques, allows fast and efficient collection of data with high signal-to-noise ratio in comparison with previous methods using point mode data collection, which required manual operation and more collection time. Also, presented are early results that illustrate interpretable spectral differences from live cells treated with chemotherapeutic drugs, demonstrating the potential of this methodology to develop more desirable modes of treatment for patients in their diagnoses and treatments for disease.