Biomedical

Improvements in Raman instrumentation and techniques has enabled reduced signal collection time, allowing for the possibility of practical clinical and biomedical applications.

For instance, this technology has been used for the study of percutaneous absorption of drugs or creams, as well changes in protein damage in the skin. In vivo studies have been conducted for the detection of malignant and pre-malignant skin cells, at times without requiring biopsy.

Raman spectroscopy has been able to identify the chemical composition of atherosclerotic plaques (calcified vs. lipid-rich). Determining the composition could play a role in risk assessment and determine the appropriate therapy to pursue.

In addition, Raman spectroscopy has been useful in identifying pathological microorganisms. Compared to the typical 2-3 day turnaround time to run microbiological tests, Raman spectroscopy could be used to identify the sample within that day. This would allow faster treatment for patients and may result in shorter hospital stays.

Enwave Optronics is prepared to work meet your needs with our sensitive and high performance instruments to bring your projects to fruition.

Reference: Choo-Smith, L-P et al. 2002. "Medical applications of Raman spectroscopy: from proof of principle to clinical implementation". Biopolymers. 2002;67(1):1-9.

Selected Publications by Enwave Customers:
  • Drake, P., Chang, H.-W., Lin, Y.-J. The design of a peptide linker group to enhance the SERS signal intensity of an atto680 dye-nanoparticle system. Jan. 2010. J. Raman Spectrosc., online publication.
  • Dudek, A. Surface properties in titanium with hydroxyapatite coating. Sept. 2009. Optica Applicata, 39 (4): 825-831.
  • Huang, Y. “Rapid Detection of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using Ag Nanorod Array Substrates”. United States Department of Agriculture. Research, Education & Economic Information System. 1 Jan. 2010.
  • Kastanos, E.K., Kyriakides, A., Jadjigeorgiou, K., and Pitris, C. A novel method for urinary tract infection diagnosis and antibiogam using Raman Spectroscopy. Sept. 2009. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy.
  • Kathirvel, P., Ermakov, I.V., Gellermann, W., Mai, J., and Richards, M.P. Resonance Raman Monitoring of Lipid Oxidation in Muscle Foods. July 2008. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 43: 2095-2099.
  • Komachi, Y., Sato, H. and Tashiro, H. Intravascular Raman spectroscopic catheter for molecular diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary disease. 2006. Appl Opt. 45(30):7938-43.