NIR Raman spectroscopy in medicine and biology: results and aspects

Analyses of biomaterial by 'classical' Raman spectroscopy with excitation i n the visible range has not been possible since the fluorescence of many es sential constituents of all animal and plant cells and tissues overlays the Raman spectra completely. Fluorescence, however, is virtually avoided, whe n Raman spectra are excited with the Nd : YAG laser line at 1064 nm. Within seven dissertations we explored different fields of potential applications to medical diagnostics. Identification and qualification of tissues and ce lls is possible. Tumors show small but significant differences to normal ti ssues; in order to develop a reliable tool for tumor diagnostics more resea rch is necessary, especially a collection of reference spectra in a data ba nk is needed. Raman spectra of biomineralization structures in teeth and bo nes show pathological tissues as well as the development of new mineralized structures. NIR Raman spectra of flowers, leaves, and fruit show, without special preparation, their constituents: alkaloids, the essential oils, nat ural dyes, flavors, spices and drugs. They allow application to taxonomy, o ptimizing plant breeding and control of food. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.