Label-free Vibrational Imaging Techniques for Applications in Biological and Chemical Analysis

在这个项目中，目标是开发生物化学应用的振动“化学选择性”成像技术。基于相干拉曼散射（CRS）的技术，这是一种振动指纹技术，比传统的自发拉曼光谱技术更强大。在CRS中，信号更强，可以进行现场实时成像，但可以像拉曼光谱一样提供信息和化学选择性。信号可以利用电子共振现象进一步增强，以进一步实现高灵敏度检测。这适用于监测化合物，如四吡咯，其在可见光和近红外波长范围内具有可访问的共振。四吡咯包括原卟啉IX、血红素、细胞色素C、胆绿素、胆红素等分子，是参与许多生命过程的一类非常重要的分子。涉及它们的生化途径的故障导致疾病，但它们的有益作用也用于癌症治疗。因此，在本项目中，将开发化学选择性微/纳米级CRS成像技术，以监测与四吡咯有关的现象，特别是哺乳动物和植物细胞中的原叶林IX通路。这将为目前对相关生化途径的理解提供一个台阶，并加速治疗策略的翻译

In this project the aim is to develop vibrational 'chemically selective' imaging techniques for bio-chemical applications. Techniques based on coherent Raman scattering (CRS), which are vibrational finger-printing techniques, and much more powerful than conventional spontaneous Raman spectroscopy will be used. In CRS the signals are much stronger to allow in situ real-time imaging yet can be as informative and chemically selective as Raman spectroscopy. The signals can be further enhanced using the phenomena of electronic resonance to further enable highly sensitive detection. This is applicable to monitoring compounds such as tetrapyrroles, which have accessible resonances in the visible and near infrared wavelength range. Tetrapyrroles, which include molecules such as protoporphyrin IX, heme, cytochrome C, biliverdin, bilirubin etc., are a highly important class of molecules involved in many life processes. Malfunctions in the biochemical pathways involving them lead to diseases but their beneficial effect is used in cancer treatment as well. Thus in this project chemically selective micro-/nano-scopic CRS imaging techniques will be developed to monitor phenomena related to tetrapyrrole, and in particular protophyrin IX, pathways in mammalian and plant cells. This will provide a step change in current understanding of the relevant biochemical pathways and accelerate translation of treatment strategies