Application of Raman spectroscopy in Andrology: non-invasive analysis of tissue and single cell

Abstract

As a fast, label-free and non-invasive detection method, Raman spectroscopy has been widely used for the interrogation of biological tissues, any alterations of molecular structure and chemical components during pathological processes would be identified and revealed via the differences on Raman spectrum. In clinics, the Raman spectroscopy has great potentials to provide real-time scanning of living tissues and fast diagnosis of diseases, just like discrimination of various carcinomas. A portable Raman spectroscopy which combined Raman system with an optical fiber probe has also been developed and proved to be able to provide intraoperative assistance in both human study and animal models. In Andrology, interests in Raman spectroscopy had just emerged. In this review, we summarized the progress about the utility of Raman spectroscopy in Andrology, the literatures were gathered from PubMed and Ovid database using MeSH terms associated with prostate, testis, seminal plasma and single sperm cell. We also highlighted the serious challenges as to the final clinical application of Raman technique. In conclusion, research in Raman spectroscopy may herald a new era for Andrology.

Keywords: Andrology; Raman spectroscopy; clinical application; non-invasive.

Figure 1

The summary of the use of Raman spectroscopy in Andrology, including prostate, testis, seminal plasms and sperm cell.

Figure 2

The grade of intensity shifts at sperm acrosome (A) and equatorial (B) region. The red arrow indicated ZP-bound sperm, and the blue arrow indicated ZP-unbound sperm.

Figure 3

(A) The points of Raman scanning according to sperm anatomic structure, as indicated by red Xs; (B) Schematic map of human sperm structure, including acrosome, nucleus, equatorial, neck, midpiece, and tail.

Figure 4

(A,B) The Raman endoscopic probe was incorporated into the working channel of an endoscope during gastroscopy (provided by Huang, et al.); (C) The Raman SpectroPen used for in vivo study of animal model; (D) Schematic diagram of the portable Raman system, the “SpectroPen” was connected to the Raman spectroscopy via an optical fiber (provided by Shuming Nie, et al.). Citation of these photos has been approved by Dr. Zhiwei Huang and Dr. Shuming Nie.