title: Confocal Raman microspectroscopy as an analytical tool to assess the mitochondrial status in human spermatozoa.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Physical Chemistry II, Bldg. NC 7/72, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meister
authors.forename: Diedrich A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bründermann
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Havenith
mesh_terms: 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