Confocal Raman microspectroscopy as an analytical tool to assess the mitochondrial status in human spermatozoa.
Confocal Raman microspectroscopy was used to investigate human sperm cells. Raman mapping with a 532 nm excitation laser allowed to unambiguously characterize the nucleus, the neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milliseconds. Chemical changes within the sub-cellular structure of the sperm cells were recorded as a function of ultraviolet light exposure time, showing the proof-of-principle that Raman microspectroscopy can be a fast diagnostic method for detecting the mitochondrial and motility status of human spermatozoa.
Meister
Konrad
K
Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Physical Chemistry II, Bldg. NC 7/72, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
Schmidt
Diedrich A
DA
Bründermann
Erik
E
Havenith
Martina
M
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays