Real-time monitoring of chemical and structural changes induced by light irradiation of cells and tissues

Abstract

We report on a novel approach to study cells and tissues exposed to laser radiation. By using a tightly focused laser beam, a selected area of a cell or a tissue can be selectively irradiated, and the results of this interaction can be immediately interrogated using Raman confocal microscopy. We present our experimental results for skin and eye tissues and individual retinal pigmented epithelium cells demonstrating a great potential of this new research paradigm.

Analytical capabilities of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microspectroscopy

“…Since the incident light intensity is the major limiting factor, one has to evaluate the experimental conditions, which will allow the use of such high peak powers for cellular imaging. Recently, we did some systematic studies on cell and tissue damage using short-pulsed laser irradiation in the wavelength region around 1000 nm [28]. While, the damage threshold somewhat varies for different cells and tissues, it can be approximately interpolated with a rather simple expression…”