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Updated: May 5, 2026

Non-contact, Label-free Monitoring of Cells and Extracellular Matrix using Raman Spectroscopy
Published on: May 29, 2012
A simple and rapid detection of tissue adhesive-induced biochemical changes in cells and DNA using Raman spectroscopy
Gyeong Bok Jung1, Young Ju Lee, Gihyun Lee
1Department of Biomedical Engineering & Healthcare Industry Research Institute, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea.
Abstract:
We demonstrate a cytotoxicity evaluation of tissue adhesive using Raman spectroscopy. This method allows for quantitative, label-free, non-invasive and rapid monitoring of the biochemical changes of cells following tissue adhesive treatment. Here, we show the biochemical property changes in mouse fibroblast L929 cells and cellular DNA following tissue adhesive (Dermabond) treatment using Raman spectroscopy. The Raman band intensities were significantly decreased when the cells were treated with Dermabond as compared to control cells. These results suggest denaturation and conformational changes in proteins and degradation of DNA related to cell death. To support these conclusions, conventional cytotoxicity assays such as WST, LIVE/DEAD, and TUNEL were carried out, and the results were in agreement with the Raman results. Thus, Raman spectroscopy analysis not only distinguishes between viable and damaged cells, but can also be used for identification and quantification of a cytotoxicity of tissue adhesive, which based on the cellular biochemical and structural changes at a molecular level. Therefore, we suggest that this method could be used for cytotoxic evaluation of tissue adhesives by rapid and sensitive detection of cellular changes.
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