Mobile multi-configuration clinical translational Raman system for oral cancer application
Siddra Maryam1, Sanathana Konugolu Venkata Sekar1, M Daniyal Ghauri1
1Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. siddra.maryam@tyndall.ie.
The Analyst
|March 10, 2023
Summary
A new, adaptable Raman spectroscopy system offers a cost-effective way to detect early oral cancer. This flexible design improves sensitivity for analyzing biomarkers in saliva and oral tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Spectroscopy
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Early oral cancer detection is crucial for patient survival.
- Raman spectroscopy shows promise for non-invasive oral cancer biomarker identification.
- High costs of sensitive detectors limit widespread Raman spectroscopy use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a customizable, cost-effective Raman system for oral cancer screening.
- To enable both in vivo and ex vivo analysis with a single instrument.
- To overcome limitations of weak Raman signals and low analyte concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and assembly of a multi-configuration Raman system.
- Demonstration of a customized microscope for single-cell Raman signal acquisition.
- Design and testing of a long-path transmission setup for low-concentration analytes.
- Integration with a multimodal fiber optic probe for in vivo tissue analysis.
Main Results:
- High signal-to-noise ratio achieved for single-cell Raman analysis.
- Novel long-path transmission setup demonstrated sensitivity to low analyte concentrations.
- The system successfully collected in vivo Raman data from oral tissues.
Conclusions:
- The developed Raman system is flexible, portable, and multi-configurable.
- This system offers a cost-effective solution for comprehensive oral precancer screening.
- The technology has the potential to improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes.
