Advanced Raman Spectroscopy in Nanomedicine

The Raman scattering phenomenon known for more than 80 years, during the last decades is gaining more and more attention in analytical applications and can provide chemical finger prints of cells, tissues or biofluids. In contrast to established analytical techniques, Raman spectroscopy provides label-free, non-destructive, chemically selective and spatially resolved analysis. The high chemical specificity, simple sample preparation procedure and the ability to use advanced optical technologies in the visible or near-infrared spectral range have recently led to an increase in medical diagnostic applications of Raman spectroscopy. The basic idea of the application of Raman spectroscopy in medicine is the hypotesis that deseases effect the molecular structure of cells and can be detected and quantified by Raman spectroscopy. Based on advanced technical development, Raman spectroscopy can be implemented into diverse setups ranging from confocal microscopes for acquisition of threedimensional spectral information up to hand-held fiber devices for direct use in clinical diagnostics. Furthermore, recent progress in the field of multivariate data analysis allows for processing such complex spectral data into scientific information for fundamental research as well as for patients to obtain objective data for diagnosis [1]. The new strategies have been developed to overcome the weak signal problems of Raman spectroscopy by application of non-linear optics and localized nanoplasmonic effects to enhance the Raman signals to increase the acquisition speed and accuracy of diagnosis. Application of nanotechnology solutions in Raman spectroscopy and microscopy, like SERS and TERS, open a new directions in Nanomedicine, based on a single molecule science [2]. Physiological investigations of tissues and cells