Live‐Cell Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging of Alkyne‐Tagged Biomolecules

Alkynes can be metabolically incorporated into biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and glycans. In addition to the clickable chemical reactivity, alkynes possess a unique Raman scattering within the Raman‐silent region of a cell. Coupling this spectroscopic signature with Raman microscopy yields a new imaging modality beyond fluorescence and label‐free microscopies. The bioorthogonal Raman imaging of various biomolecules tagged with an alkyne by a state‐of‐the‐art Raman imaging technique, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, is reported. This imaging method affords non‐invasiveness, high sensitivity, and molecular specificity and therefore should find broad applications in live‐cell imaging.     

Stimulated Raman scattering microscopy with spectral phasor analysis: applications in assessing drug–cell interactions

Statins have displayed significant, although heterogeneous, anti-tumour activity in breast cancer disease progression and recurrence. They offer promise as a class of drugs, normally used for cardiovascular disease control, that could have a significant impact on the treatment of cancer. Understanding their mode of action and accurately assessing their efficacy on live cancer cells is an important and significant challenge. Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a powerful, label-free imaging technique that can rapidly characterise the biochemical responses of live cell populations following drug treatment. Here, we demonstrate multi-wavelength SRS imaging together with spectral phasor analysis to characterise a panel of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells) treated with two clinically relevant statins, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Label-free SRS imaging within the high wavenumber region of the Raman spectrum (2800–3050 cm⁻¹) revealed the lipid droplet distribution throughout populations of live breast cancer cells using biocompatible imaging conditions. A spectral phasor analysis of the hyperspectral dataset enables rapid differentiation of discrete cellular compartments based on their intrinsic SRS characteristics. Applying the spectral phasor method to studying statin treated cells identified a lipid accumulating phenotype in cell populations which displayed the lowest sensitivity to statin treatment, whilst a weaker lipid accumulating phenotype was associated with a potent reduction in cell viability. This study provides an insight into potential resistance mechanisms of specific cancer cells towards treatment with statins. Label-free SRS imaging provides a novel and innovative technique for phenotypic assessment of drug-induced effects across different cellular populations and enables effective analysis of drug–cell interactions at the subcellular scale.

Stimulated Raman scattering microscopy with spectral phasor analysis provides a label-free approach for phenotypic evaluation of drug-induced effects.     

用于低浓度三聚氰胺选择性检测的铝/银纳米传感器的组装及其SERS性能

通过置换法在铝板上快速制备了一种即插即用型的Al/Ag纳米表面增强拉曼光谱(SERS)活性基底。结果表明该SERS基底较好地解决了银纳米颗粒在支撑物质上的吸附问题,能够快速实现对三聚氰胺的检测,而且具有操作简单、成本低、无损伤检测等优点,最低检测浓度能达到10^-7 mol·L^-1,满足国家食品安全要求的最低标准。另外,Al/Ag活性基底对三聚氰胺检测具有较高的拉曼测试重现性,连续测定15 h的过程中拉曼强度波动不大;且该Al/Ag活性基底能够在三乙醇胺、N,N-二甲基甲酰胺和1,2-丙二胺等胺类物质中实现对三聚氰胺的选择性检测。     

Raman spectroscopic study of bacterial endospores

Endospores and endospore-forming bacteria were studied by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra were recorded from Bacillus licheniformis LMG 7634 at different steps during growth and spore formation, and from spore suspensions obtained from diverse Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains cultured in different conditions (growth media, temperature, peroxide treatment). Raman bands of calcium dipicolinate and amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine are more intense in the spectra of sporulating bacteria compared with those of bacteria from earlier phases of growth. Raman spectroscopy can thus be used to detect sporulation of cells by a characteristic band at 1,018 cm^–1 from calcium dipicolinate. The increase in amino acids could possibly be explained by the formation of small acid-soluble proteins that saturate the endospore DNA. Large variations in Raman spectra of endospore suspensions of different strains or different culturing conditions were observed. Next to calcium dipicolinate, tyrosine and phenylalanine, band differences at 527 and 638 cm^–1 were observed in the spectra of some of the B. sporothermodurans spore suspensions. These bands were assigned to the incorporation of cysteine residues in spore coat proteins. In conclusion, Raman spectroscopy is a fast technique to provide useful information about several spore components. Figure A difference spectrum between Raman spectra of B. licheniformis LMG 7634 cultured for 6 days and 1 day, together with the reference Raman spectrum of calcium dipicolinate     

Detection of the Sulfhydryl Group in Proteins by Raman Scattering Spectroscopic Method

Detection of the sulfhydryl group in proteins has previously been difficult. However, the group can be detected quite easily by Raman spectroscopy due to its distinct vibrational band at 2560-2580 cm^?1 region. This region is free of interference from other vibrational bands of protein. Detection of SH in tobacco mosaic virus coat protein and two sea snake neurotoxins was made to illustrate the application of Raman spectroscopy.     

DFT and Raman spectroscopy of porphyrin derivatives: Tetraphenylporphine (TPP)

Raman spectrum of the meso tetraphenylporphine (TPP) deposited onto smooth copper surface as thin film were recorded in the region 200–1700 cm⁻¹. To investigate the effect of meso-phenyl substitution rings on the vibrational spectrum of free base porphyrin, we calculated Raman and infrared (IR) spectra of the meso-tetraphenylporphine (TPP), meso tetramethylporphine (TMP), copper (II)porphine (CuPr) and free base porphine (FBP) at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of the density functional theory (DFT). The observed Raman spectrum of the TPP is assigned based on the calculated its Raman spectrum in connection with the calculated spectra of the TMP, CuPr and FBP by taking into account of their corresponding vibrational motions of the Raman modes of frequencies. Results of the calculations clearly indicated that the meso tetraphenyl substitution rings are totally responsible for the observed Raman bands at ∼1593, 1234 and 1002 cm⁻¹. The calculated and observed Raman spectra also suggested that the observed Raman band with a medium intense at 962 cm⁻¹ might result from the surface plasmon effect. Furthermore, the observed Raman bands with medium intense at ∼334 and ∼201 cm⁻¹ are as results of the dimerization or aggregation of the TPP or would be that related to intramolecular interaction. We also calculated IR spectra of these molecules at same level of the theory. To investigate the solvent effect on the vibrational spectrum of porphine, the Raman and IR spectra of the TPP and FBP are calculated in solution phase where water used as solvent. The results of these calculation indicated that there is no any significant effect on the vibrational spectrum of the TPP.     

Imaging Lipid Metabolism in Live Caenorhabditis elegans Using Fingerprint Vibrations

Quantitation of lipid storage, unsaturation, and oxidation in live C. elegans has been a long‐standing obstacle. The combination of hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering imaging and multivariate analysis in the fingerprint vibration region represents a platform that allows the quantitative mapping of fat distribution, degree of fat unsaturation, lipid oxidation, and cholesterol storage in vivo in the whole worm. Our results reveal for the first time that lysosome‐related organelles in intestinal cells are sites for storage of cholesterol in C. elegans.     

Raman spectroscopic discrimination of estrogens

Estrogens are a group of steroid compounds found in the human body that are eventually discharged and ultimately end up in sewer effluents. Since these compounds can potentially affect the endocrine system its detection and quantification in sewer water is important. In this study, estrogens such as estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and ethynylestradiol (EE2) were discriminated and quantitated using Raman spectroscopy. Simulated Raman spectra were correlated with experimental data to identify unique marker peaks, which proved to be useful in differentiating each estrogen molecules. Among these marker peaks are Raman modes arising from hydroxyl groups of the estrogen molecules in the spectral region 3200–3700 cm⁻¹. Other Raman modes unique to each of the estrogen samples were also identified, including peaks at 1722 cm⁻¹ for E1 and 2109 cm⁻¹ for EE2, which corresponds to their distinctive structures each containing a different set of functional groups. To quantify the components of estrogen mixtures, the intensities of each identifying Raman bands, at 581 cm⁻¹ for E1, 546 cm⁻¹ for E2, 762 cm⁻¹ for E3 and 597 cm⁻¹ for EE2, were compared and normalized against the intensity of a common peak at 783 cm⁻¹. Quantitative analysis yielded most results within an acceptable 20% error.     

Complementary Approaches to Imaging Subcellular Lipid Architectures in Live Bacteria Using Phosphorescent Iridium Complexes and Raman Spectroscopy

A family of three neutral iridium(III) tetrazolato complexes are investigated as bacterial imaging agents. The complexes offer a facile tuning of the emission colour from green (520 nm) to red (600 nm) in aqueous media, while keeping the excitation wavelength unchanged. The three complexes do not inhibit the bacterial growth of Bacillus Cereus, used as a model in this study, and exhibit extremely fast cellular uptake. After a minute incubation time, the nontoxic complexes show subcellular localisation in spherical structures identified as lipid vacuoles. Confocal Raman imaging has been exploited for the first time on live bacteria, to provide direct and label-free mapping of the lipid-enriched organelles within B. cereus, complementing the use of luminescent probes. Examination of the Raman spectra not only confirmed the presence of lipophilic inclusions in B. cereus but offered additional information about their chemical composition, suggesting that the lipid vacuoles may contain polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).     

The Raman OH stretching bands of liquid water

In this work, from the discussion on water structure and clusters, it can be deduced that the OH stretching vibration is closely related to local hydrogen-bonded network for a water molecule, and different OH vibrations can be assigned to OH groups engaged in various hydrogen bonding. At ambient condition, the main local hydrogen bonding for a molecule can be classified as DDAA (double donor–double acceptor), DDA (double donor–single acceptor), DAA (single donor–double acceptor) and DA (single donor–single acceptor) and free OH vibrations. As for water at 290 K and 0.1 MPa pressure, the OH stretching region of the Raman spectrum can be deconvoluted into five sub-bands, which are located at 3014, 3226, 3432, 3572, and 3636 cm⁻¹, and can be assigned to ν_DAA-OH, ν_DDAA-OH, ν_DA-OH, ν_DDA-OH, and free OH₂ symmetric stretching vibrations, respectively.     

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of cholinesterase inhibitors

A new sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for detection of cholinesterase inhibitors such as organophosphorous pesticides using silver colloidal nanoparticles was developed and optimized. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mediated the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine to produce thiocholine, which interacted with the silver nanoparticles to give a specific SERS spectrum. Variation in enzyme activity due to inhibition was measured from changes in intensity of a characteristic peak (772 cm⁻¹) of the SERS spectrum that was directly correlated with the concentration of produced thiocholine. The method was demonstrated for the detection of paraoxon as reference AChE inhibitor. Limit of detection of paraoxon for 5 min incubation at 25 °C was 1.8 × 10⁻⁸ M. This assay can be utilized for the detection of trace amounts of any AChE inhibitor.     

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of lysophosphatidic acid

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering using silver nanoparticles was applied to detect various forms of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to examine its potential application as an alternative to current detection methods of LPA as biomarkers of ovarian cancer. Enhancement of the Raman modes of the molecule, especially those related to the acyl chain within the 800–1300 cm⁻¹ region, was observed. In particular, the C–C vibration mode of the gauche-bonded chain around 1100 cm⁻¹ was enhanced to allow the discrimination of two similar LPA molecules. Given the molecular selectivity of this technique, the detection of LPA using SERS may eliminate the need for partial purification of samples prior to analysis in cancer screening.     

In situ Detection of Amide A Bands of Proteins in Water by Raman Ratio Spectrum

The amide A band of protein is sensitive to the hydrogen bands of amide groups of proteins. However, it is hard to distinguish the amide A band of aqueous protein in situ directly, since it overlaps with O-H stretching vibration of water. In this work, we presented a new analytical method of Raman ratio spectrum, which can extract the amide A band of proteins in water. To obtain the Raman ratio spectrum, the Raman spectrum of aqueous protein was divided by that of pure water. A mathematical simulation was employed to examine whether Raman ratio spectrum is effective. Two kinds of protein, lysozyme and α-chymotrypsin were employed. The amide A bands of them in water were extracted from Raman ratio spectra. Additionally, the process of thermal denaturation of lysozyme was detected from Raman ratio spectrum. These results demonstrated the Raman ratio spectra could be employed to study the amide A modes of proteins in water.     

Ultrasensitive SERS Detection of TNT by Imprinting Molecular Recognition Using a New Type of Stable Substrate

We report herein a method for the ultra‐trace detection of TNT on p‐aminothiophenol‐functionalized silver nanoparticles coated on silver molybdate nanowires based on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The method relies on π‐donor–acceptor interactions between the π‐acceptor TNT and the π‐donor p,p′‐dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB), with the latter serving to cross‐link the silver nanoparticles deposited on the silver molybdate nanowires. This system presents optimal imprint molecule contours, with the DMAB forming imprint molecule sites that constitute SERS “hot spots”. Anchoring of the TNT analyte at these sites leads to a pronounced intensification of its Raman emission. We demonstrate that TNT concentrations as low as 10^?12 M can be accurately detected using the described SERS assay. Most impressively, acting as a new type of SERS substrate, the silver/silver molybdate nanowires complex can yield new silver nanoparticles during the detection process, which makes the Raman signals very stable. A detailed mechanism for the observed SERS intensity change is discussed. Our experiments show that TNT can be detected quickly and accurately with ultra‐high sensitivity, selectivity, reusability, and stability. The results reported herein may not only lead to many applications in SERS techniques, but might also form the basis of a new concept for a molecular imprinting strategy.     

Direct observation of a 220 cm structure in the lowest π–π* absorption band in the vapour phase of trans-azobenzene

In this work we present the first direct observation of a 220 cm⁻¹ progression in the absorption spectrum of trans-azobenzene in the vapour phase. The mode at 220 cm⁻¹ is essential to explain both the electronic absorption spectrum and the Raman excitation profiles of the most intense Raman bands of trans-azobenzene in the 1000–1600 cm⁻¹ shift range. Our data in the vapour phase assure that this frequency pertains to an internal molecular mode.     

Theoretical Investigation on SERS of Pyridine Adsorbed on Cn Clusters Induced by Charge Transfer: A Hint that SERS Could be Applied on Many Materials

The SERS spectra of pyridine–C_n (n=1–6) complexes are investigated theoretically. The obtained enhancement factors of about 10²–10³ in the pre‐resonance Raman spectrum calculations are attributed to charge‐transfer transitions from the carbon clusters to pyridine, where a good match of band structures between substrates and probe molecules is essential.     

Labeled vs. Label-Free Raman Imaging of Lipids in Endothelial Cells of Various Origins

Endothelial cells (EC) constitute a single layer of the lining of blood vessels and play an important role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as a primary or secondary cause of many diseases and it manifests itself, among others, by increased lipid content or a change in the lipid composition in the EC. Therefore, the analysis of cellular lipids is crucial to understand the mechanisms of disease development. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced inflammation of EC alters the lipid content of cells, which can be detected by Raman spectroscopy. By default, lipid detection is carried out in a label-free manner, and these compounds are recognized based on their spectral profile characteristics. We consider (3S,3′S)-astaxanthin (AXT), a natural dye with a characteristic resonance spectrum, as a new Raman probe for the detection of lipids in the EC of various vascular beds, i.e., the aorta, brain and heart. AXT colocalizes with lipids in cells, enabling imaging of lipid-rich cellular components in a time-dependent manner using laser power 10 times lower than that commonly used to measure biological samples. The results show that AXT can be used to study lipids distribution in EC at various locations, suggesting its use as a universal probe for studying cellular lipids using Raman spectroscopy. The use of labeled Raman imaging of lipids in the EC of various organs could contribute to their easier identification and to a better understanding of the development and progression of various vascular diseases, and it could also potentially improve their diagnosis and treatment.     

3D SERS Imaging Using Chemically Synthesized Highly Symmetric Nanoporous Silver Microparticles

3D surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging with highly symmetric 3D silver microparticles as a SERS substrate was developed. Although the synthesis method is purely chemical and does not involve lithography, the synthesized nanoporous silver microparticles possess a regular hexapod shape and octahedral symmetry. By using p‐aminothiophenol (PATP) as a probe molecule, the 3D enhancement patterns of the particles were shown to be very regular and predictable, resembling the particle shape and exhibiting symmetry. An application to the detection of 3D inhomogeneity in a polymer blend, which relies on the predictable enhancement pattern of the substrate, is presented. 3D SERS imaging using the substrate also provides an improvement in spatial resolution along the Z axis, which is a challenge for Raman measurement in polymers, especially layered polymeric systems.     

Raman Combinations and Stretching Overtones from Water, Heavy Water, and NaCl in Water at Shifts to ca. 7000 cm−1

Photographic Raman spectra were obtained at shifts to ca. 7000 cm^–1 for pure water and for a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl using argon ion laser excitation. Raman spectra were also obtained photoelectrically for H₂O and D₂O between ca. 2500 and ca. 7000 cm^–1 using 248-nm excimer laser excitation and boxcar detection. Overtone and combination assignments are presented for H₂O and D₂O. The first IR OH-stretching overtone from water occurs 215 cm^–1 above the first Raman OH-stretching overtone because the IR overtones are dominated by asymmetric stretching. The second OH-stretching Raman overtone from water is estimated to occur near 10,020 ± 20 cm^–1, with 9950 cm^–1 as a lower limit.     

Detection of bacteria by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

The detection and identification of dilute bacterial samples by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy has been explored by mixing aqueous suspensions of bacteria with a suspension of nanocolloidal silver particles. An estimate of the detection limit of E. coli was obtained by varying the concentration of bacteria. By correcting the Raman spectra for the broad librational OH band of water, reproducible spectra were obtained for E. coli concentrations as low as approximately 10³ cfu/mL. To aid in the assignment of Raman bands, spectra for E. coli in D₂O are also reported. Figure Light scattering apparatus used to detect bacteria