Noninvasive molecular imaging of small living subjects using Raman spectroscopy

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Apr 15;105(15):5844-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0710575105. Epub 2008 Mar 31.

Abstract

Molecular imaging of living subjects continues to rapidly evolve with bioluminescence and fluorescence strategies, in particular being frequently used for small-animal models. This article presents noninvasive deep-tissue molecular images in a living subject with the use of Raman spectroscopy. We describe a strategy for small-animal optical imaging based on Raman spectroscopy and Raman nanoparticles. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoparticles and single-wall carbon nanotubes were used to demonstrate whole-body Raman imaging, nanoparticle pharmacokinetics, multiplexing, and in vivo tumor targeting, using an imaging system adapted for small-animal Raman imaging. The imaging modality reported here holds significant potential as a strategy for biomedical imaging of living subjects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Liver / cytology
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*