Raman Imaging: A Window into Molecular Biology

Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool in biology, enabling label-free, high-resolution imaging of biological structures and processes. By utilizing the unique vibrational signatures of biomolecules, this technique generates detailed structural and chemical maps of biological samples. Advanced techniques, such as Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) and Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS), facilitate real-time visualization of complex biological phenomena, including lipid metabolism, protein aggregation, and drug distribution. With its non-invasive nature and chemical specificity, Raman imaging holds immense potential for advancing biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

In this talk, I will discuss two complementary Raman imaging approaches: label-free imaging and Raman tag-based imaging. Label-free Raman imaging acquires vibrational information across a broad spectral range (500–3000 cm⁻¹), covering the fingerprint region (500–1800 cm–1) where most biomolecules exhibit vibrations and the high-wavenumber region (2800–3000 cm–1) where CH2 and CH3 stretching modes are exhibited. This allows the identification of intracellular molecules based on their intrinsic Raman spectra. However, the overlapping signals from numerous biomolecules in cellular environments often complicate molecular identification. This challenge can be addressed by employing Raman tags, which provide targeted and enhanced signal detection. The talk will explore the principles and applications of both label-free and Raman tag-based imaging techniques, highlighting their contributions to biological research.

 

[1] Dodo, K., Fujita, K., & Sodeoka, M., Raman spectroscopy for chemical biology research. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144(43), 19651-19667