Analysis of Human Lenses by Raman Microspectroscopy

Abstract

A cataract is an opacity (clouding) of the normally clear lens which develops as a result of aging, metabolic disorders, trauma or heredity. The number of patients with cataract is increasing exponentially. This disease requires surgical intervention, to remove the cloudy lens and to introduce the eye lens polymer. In this work we will present analyses of degraded parts of human lens. Experimental materials were obtained from the lens removed during surgical intervention. These biological samples were measured using Almega XR Confocal Raman spectrometer (Thermo Scientific) with an excitation source of 785 nm laser line. The Raman vibrations in the spectral region of 650-1750 cm −1 were analyzed. The difference spectra revealed an excess of tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, β-sheet conformation, and molecules or molecular groups.

Harnessing abruptly auto-defocusing beam to enhance the Raman signal in aqueous humor: A simulation analysis

“…Paluszkiewicz et al reported the Raman spectrum from two human lenses after cataract surgery. They found an excess of tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, Beta-sheet, the cause being still under discussion [11]. In comparing healthy and cataractous human lenses with Raman spectroscopy, they found differences in the concentration of Tyr and Trp residues [12].…”

Raman spectroscopic detection of interleukin-10 and angiotensin converting enzyme

“…In a clinical setting, a preferred option would be a non-invasive and non-destructive technique [17]. We propose to use Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive and non-destructive sampling technique [8,[17][18][19][20][21]. In this study, IL-10, IL-21 and ACE samples were tested.…”

A dark field illumination probe linked to Raman spectroscopy for non-invasivety determination of ocular biomarkers

“…They found an excess of tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, Beta-sheet, the cause being still under discussion. 68 In comparing healthy and cataractous human lenses with Raman spectroscopy, they found differences in the concentration of Tyr and Trp residues. 69 Biomarkers for eye diseases like TNF alpha (Tumor necrosis factor alpha), Cytochrome C, Lactate acid, Lysozyme and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) [70][71][72][73] have been shown to be Raman active and their characteristic Raman spectra have been obtained by different research groups.…”