title: Characterization of human breast biopsy specimens with near-IR Raman spectroscopy.
abstract: Breast biopsy samples were examined with Raman spectroscopy with laser wavelengths ranging from 406 to 830 nm. A combination of a single-stage spectrograph, band reject filter, and CCD detector permitted low laser powers and minimal risk of sample radiation damage. Spectra of formalin-fixed human tissue revealed Raman features for lipids and carotenoids. The best defined lipid features were observed for 782- and 830-nm laser excitation, while carotenoid features were strongest in the 488-515-nm range due to resonance enhancement. Comparison of the spectra with those of fatty acid esters revealed that the major lipid component is a derivative of oleic acid. Lipid and carotenoid Raman bands were superimposed on a luminescent background which was less prominent at longer laser wavelengths. A compact, portable, diode laser spectrometer was tested in a clinical setting with fiber optic sampling. The results indicate that substantial biochemical information is available from near-IR Raman spectroscopy and the technique may have clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Redd
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Gansler
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: McCreery
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001940:Breast / Q000737:chemistry*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis*; D016462:Mammaplasty; D015411:Mastectomy, Modified Radical; D019301:Oleic Acid; D009829:Oleic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D016707:Tissue Fixation
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D009829:Oleic Acids; D005557:Formaldehyde; D019301:Oleic Acid; D002338:Carotenoids