Application and Progress of Raman Spectroscopy in Male Reproductive System

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy is a fast-developing, unmarked, non-invasive, non-destructive technique which allows for real-time scanning and sampling of biological samples in situ, reflecting the subtle biochemical composition alterations of tissues and cells through the variations of spectra. It has great potential to identify pathological tissue and provide intraoperative assistance in clinic. Raman spectroscopy has made many exciting achievements in the study of male reproductive system. In this review, we summarized literatures about the application and progress of Raman spectroscopy in male reproductive system from PubMed and Ovid databases, using MeSH terms associated to Raman spectroscopy, prostate, testis, seminal plasma and sperm. The existing challenges and development opportunities were also discussed and prospected.

Keywords: Raman spectroscopy; application; diagnosis; male reproductive system; prostate; sperm.

FIGURE 1

(A) After the electron absorbs the excited light energy (black line), the energy level transition occurs, from the ground state or vibrational state to the virtual state, and then releases the energy in the form of scattered light (red line). When the release energy is equal to the absorption energy, the electron energy level remains unchanged (Rayleigh); when the release energy is less than the absorption energy, the overall energy level of the electron increases (Stokes); on the contrary, the energy level decreases (Anti-stokes). (B) The schematic diagram of a typical Raman spectrometer, including excitation light source, optical system, spectrometer, CCD detector and computer processing system.

FIGURE 2

Summary of the applications of Raman spectroscopy in male reproductive system, including organ (prostate and testis), tissue, cell and body fluid levels.