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Updated: Jul 19, 2025

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Non-contact, Label-free Monitoring of Cells and Extracellular Matrix using Raman Spectroscopy
Published on: May 29, 2012
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Label-Free Human Disease Characterization through Circulating Cell-Free DNA Analysis Using Raman Spectroscopy
Vassilis M Papadakis1,2,3, Christina Cheimonidi1,3, Maria Panagopoulou3,4
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 12, 2023
Summary
Raman spectroscopy reveals distinct biomolecular profiles of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in various health and disease states. This technique offers a novel approach for liquid biopsy diagnostics, differentiating conditions like breast cancer and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) is a crucial biomarker for liquid biopsy in precision medicine.
- Understanding ccfDNA's structure and biology is vital for advancing diagnostic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biomolecular profile of human ccfDNA using Raman spectroscopy.
- To establish reference spectra for ccfDNA from diverse health and disease conditions.
- To explore Raman spectroscopy as a novel tool for liquid biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Raman spectroscopy was employed to analyze ccfDNA samples.
- Reference spectra were established for ccfDNA from healthy individuals (males and females).
- ccfDNA from patients with cancer (undergoing neoadjuvant therapy) and diabetes (including prediabetic states) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Distinct Raman spectral patterns were observed in ccfDNA from breast cancer patients on neoadjuvant therapy.
- Differences in biomolecular fingerprints were identified in ccfDNA from healthy, prediabetic, and diabetic males.
- ccfDNA from cell lines mirrored the spectral characteristics of their corresponding genomic DNA (gDNA).
Conclusions:
- Raman spectroscopy provides valuable insights into the biomolecular composition of ccfDNA.
- The study presents the first exploration of Raman spectroscopy for ccfDNA analysis.
- Raman spectroscopy shows promise as a new methodology for liquid biopsy diagnostics.

