Raman spectroscopy in clinical diagnostic and sensing

Abstract

Today image-guided surgery has undergone a great expansion as recent advances of imaging have allowed surgeons to perform more complex procedures with increased safety. However, probes labeling particular molecules can be potentially harmful to the human body. Recent developments in laser techniques have enabled us to visualize functional molecules not only in cultured cells but also in living organ. In spite of the limitations, such as poor light penetration into the deeper area, laser toxicity, and undesirable staining, the in vivo optical imaging technique appears to be an extremely valuable tool for integrated study of diseases. Our aim is to develop the optical technologies for the precise detection of malignant and ischemic lesions. They include label-free molecular imaging by Raman scattering for nerve-sparing surgery and myocardial viability assessment. These technologies can potentially further the diagnostic power of for neoplastic lesions of human tissues in the near future.