Practical Applications of Raman Spectroscopy 1200-2MON13Z
A brief characterization of Raman spectroscopy techniques: classical Raman scattering, resonance Raman effect (RR), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS), and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). Comparison of the principles and capabilities of imaging techniques: Raman mapping, CARS, and TERS.
Presentation of the physical foundations of the phenomena exploited in each technique, as well as the usefulness and limitations of individual methods for substance identification and quantitative analysis in studies of crystal structure, chemical process kinetics, surface processes, nanomaterials, polymers, pharmaceuticals, biologically important molecules, pathogens (bacteria and viruses), and components of living organisms (proteins, nucleic acids, cells, and tissues).
Demonstration of applications of Raman spectroscopy methods in archaeology, art, cultural heritage conservation, medicine (including diagnostics and theranostics), pharmacy, geology, astrobiology, and chemical analytics, taking into account the challenges of qualitative analysis based on Raman spectra/maps. Discussion of nanotechnology applications in the context of SERS spectroscopy and multifunctional materials, as well as an outline of the potential of chemometrics and machine learning for large Raman datasets.
During the lecture, the following topics will be discussed in detail:
a) Raman spectrometer in the search for life on Mars,
b) the principle of operation of Raman optical tweezers,
c) the possibility of in vivo Raman measurements (including intracellular measurements),
d) imaging of cells, tissues, and metabolites using CARS spectroscopy,
e) monitoring drug distribution and its interactions with cells in biological samples through Raman mapping,
f) the operation of an intracellular pH sensor based on SERS spectroscopy,
g) investigation of electron transfer mechanisms in systems mimicking biological processes using time-resolved SERRS spectroscopy (combining SERS and RR),
h) analysis of pigments used in works of art using RR and SERS techniques,
i) RR spectroscopy as a tool for the analysis of automotive paints enabling the identification of perpetrators of car accidents,
j) identification of bacteria using Raman and SERS techniques,
k) immunoassays utilizing the SERS effect (including detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus),
l) disease diagnostics using Raman techniques supported by machine learning and chemometrics,
m) multifunctional hybrid nanomaterials active in SERS spectroscopy (including theranostic applications),
n) the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy in microplastic analysis.
For each technique, the application examples have been selected to highlight the advantages and limitations of the given approach. They also provide an up-to-date overview of the capabilities of individual methods in selected fields.
Total workload: 35 hours, including:
participation in classes – 15 hours
consultations with the instructor – 10 hours
preparation for assessment – 10 hours.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
After completing the lecture, the student knows and understands:
The physical foundations and structural aspects of modern measurement instrumentation used in advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques (classical scattering, RR, SERS, TERS, CARS) applied in chemical and biomedical research.
The possibilities of using Raman techniques to monitor the distribution and interactions of therapeutic substances in biological systems, in the context of understanding drug mechanisms of action at the molecular level and the specificity of drug design.
The principles of operation, properties, and application potential of biosensors and modern Raman imaging methods in medical diagnostics, particularly in detecting pathological changes in tissues and throughout the whole organism.
Methods for the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials (including multifunctional hybrid materials) and the correlations between their structure and physicochemical properties relevant for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes (theranostics using Raman techniques).
Basic algorithms, IT tools, and databases necessary for processing, presenting, and interpreting complex scientific research results (here: spectral data and Raman maps).
Current development trends in modern medical analytics and advanced physical and chemical phenomena underlying modern molecular diagnostics using Raman techniques.
Skills
After completing the lecture, the student is able to:
Indicate and justify the choice of a specific Raman technique (e.g., SERS, CARS, TERS) appropriate for analyzing a particular problem in medical chemistry or imaging diagnostics.
Apply knowledge of advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques to describe disease processes, in particular through the use of medical imaging to identify pathological changes in tissues and organs.
Analyze and critically evaluate the reliability of results obtained using Raman methods, taking into account the specificity of biological samples and the limitations of different measurement concepts (e.g., Raman imaging resolution vs. CARS and TERS).
Design an experiment based on Raman spectroscopy that enables identification of chemical substances or pathogens in complex biological matrices.
conduct experimental studies, collect and interpret empirical data, and assess the reliability of obtained results and measurement errors.
Independently acquire knowledge and develop professional skills by using specialized literature (including foreign-language sources) and database resources in order to design experiments.
Social Competences
After completing the lecture, the student is prepared to:
Critically evaluate scientific and popular science content related to advanced Raman spectroscopy methods used in chemistry and medicine.
Define the scope of their own knowledge and critically assess its level of advancement, and in case of difficulties, seek expert opinion.
Engage in continuous professional development and independently search for information in specialized literature (including foreign-language sources) in order to enhance professional competences.
Knowledge
K_W02 – aspects of the structure and operation of modern measurement instrumentation supporting scientific research in a chemical laboratory
K_W06 – mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level
K_W07 – principles of operation, properties, and applications of various types of biosensors
K_W11 – current development trends in modern medical analytics
K_W13 – basic algorithms, IT tools, and databases used in scientific research and calculations
K_W16 – selected advanced chemical, physical, and biological phenomena and processes
K_W20 – methods of synthesizing nanomaterials for biomedical applications and the ability to list synthesis methods from the perspective of organic and inorganic chemistry
K_W21 – methods for the characterization of nanomaterials used in medicine, in particular correlations between structural, physicochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods applied to nanomaterials of medicinal substances
Skills
K_U02 – apply appropriate methods, techniques, research tools, and IT tools necessary to explain a given research problem
K_U06 – analyze possibilities for improving analytical procedures for chemical analysis applied to medical needs
K_U07 – recognize the possibilities of using different configurations of mechanized instrumentation for analytical purposes
K_U09 – evaluate the possibilities and limitations of different concepts for improving analytical measurements
K_U12 – independently acquire knowledge and develop professional skills using various sources, including foreign-language materials
K_U15 – plan and conduct experimental research or observations and analyze their results
K_U16 – perform measurements of selected physicochemical quantities, determine their values and measurement errors, and assess the reliability of the obtained results
K_U18 – define and plan a research objective, carry out its implementation, and collect and interpret empirical data
K_U20 – use specialized literature, databases, and other information sources, and evaluate the reliability of acquired information
K_U21 – describe the foundations underlying the use of nanomaterials in diagnostics, particularly in medical imaging and detection of pathological changes in tissues or the whole organism
K_U22 – list the basic types of nanoparticles used in diagnostics and understand the fundamental physical phenomena underlying their operation
Social Competences
K_K01 – continuous professional development and independent searching for information in literature, including foreign-language sources
K_K04 – critical evaluation of scientific and popular science content
K_K05 – defining the scope of one’s own knowledge and skills and striving to improve professional and personal competences
K_K07 – the ability to critically assess the level of advancement of one’s own knowledge (and, in case of difficulties in independently solving a problem, to seek expert advice) as well as to independently undertake and initiate simple research activities.
Assessment criteria
Final examination in written or oral form: several open-ended questions requiring concise answers, including a proposal of an appropriate Raman technique to solve a specified research problem.
Duration: up to 90 minutes.
Practical placement
Does not apply
Bibliography
1. Collective work, ed. K. Małek, Vibrational Spectroscopy. From Theory to Practice, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warsaw, 2016.
2. Materials from multimedia presentations demonstrated during the lecture.
3. Recommended review articles.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: