Raman microscopy for cellular investigations--From single cell imaging to drug carrier uptake visualization.
Progress in advanced therapeutic concepts requires the development of appropriate carrier systems for intracellular drug delivery. Consequently, analysis of interaction between carriers, drugs and cells as well as their uptake and intracellular fate is a current focus of research interest. In this context, Raman spectroscopy recently became an emerging analytical technique, due to its non-destructive, chemically selective and label-free working principle. In this review, we briefly present the state-of-the-art technologies for cell visualization and drug internalization. Against this background, Raman microscopy is introduced as a versatile analytical technique. An overview of various Raman spectroscopy investigations in this field is given including interactions of cells with drug molecules, carrier systems and other nanomaterials. Further, Raman instrumentations and sample preparation methods are discussed. Finally, as the analytical limit is not reached yet, a future perspective for Raman microscopy in pharmaceutical and biomedical research on the single cell level is given.
Saarland University, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus A4.1, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; University of Twente, Optical Sciences Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
Birthe
B
Kann
University of Twente, Optical Sciences Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
Herman L
HL
Offerhaus
Saarland University, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus A4.1, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Department of Drug Delivery, Campus A4.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. Electronic address: m.windbergs@mx.uni-saarland.de.
Maike
M
Windbergs
University of Twente, Medical Cell BioPhysics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. Electronic address: c.otto@tnw.utwente.nl.
Cees
C
Otto
D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*
D004337:Drug Carriers
Cell imaging; Chemically selective visualization; Drug carriers; Interaction between cell and carrier; Intracellular fate of carriers; Nanomaterials; Spontaneous Raman microscopy; Uptake