Advances in Raman spectroscopy and imaging for biomedical research

Abstract

Starting with a historical account of evolution in Raman spectroscopy, in this review we provide details of the advancements that have pushed detection limits to single molecules and enabled non-invasive molecular characterization of distinct organelles to provide next-generation bioanalytical assays and ultrasensitive molecular and cellular diagnostics. Amidst a growing number of publications in recent years, there is an unmet need for a consolidated review that discusses salient aspects of Raman spectroscopy that are broadly applicable in biosensing ranging from fundamental biology to disease identification and staging, to drug screening and food and agriculture quality control. This review offers a discussion across this range of applications and focuses on the convergent use of Raman spectroscopy, coupling it to bioanalysis, agriculture, and food quality control, which can affect human life through biomedical research, drug discovery, and disease diagnostics. We also highlight how the potent combination of advanced spectroscopy and machine-learning algorithms can further advance Raman data analysis, leading to the emergence of an optical Omics discipline, coined “Ramanomics.” Finally, we present our perspectives on future needs and opportunities.

Unveiling brain disorders using liquid biopsy and Raman spectroscopy

“…Raman imaging techniques offer the ability to visualize and map the distribution of biomolecules within biological samples at the microscopic level. 51,52 This can provide valuable insights into the spatial heterogeneity and localization of pathological features associated with brain disorders.…”

Overview on the Development of Alkaline-Phosphatase-Linked Optical Immunoassays

“…Compared with the conventional Raman scattering, SERS can enhance the Raman scattering intensity of molecules by up to 10~14 orders of magnitude when Raman molecules are adsorbed on the rough solid metal or plasmonic nanostructure surface [ 186 , 187 ]. It can provide narrow and well-resolved spectroscopic bands and highly improve the detection sensitivity.…”

Fabrication and characterization of multi-biomarker optimized tissue-mimicking phantoms for multi-modal optical spectroscopy

“…Raman spectroscopy analyses the inelastic scattering of light by the molecule and in turn provides the molecular fingerprint. 23,24 Raman spectroscopy is specifically renowned for in vivo biomedical applications, as it can be easily coupled with fiber-optic probes, leading to an easy-to-use portable device. 25,26 However, the development of in vivo Raman probes requires analytical standards to characterize the various parameters of different probe designs to improve sensitivity and depth of penetration.…”