The Latest in Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is one of the more popular techniques used today in analytical research. Because of the technique’s ease of use and nondestructive nature, Raman spectroscopy has been used in a variety of different industries.

Below, we have compiled some of the latest studies that have used Raman spectroscopy in their work. Some of the application areas discussed in these articles include food and beverage analysis, agriculture, biomedical, and pharmaceutical analysis. Happy reading!

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New Raman Spectroscopy Techniques Promise Safer Produce

Fruits and vegetables are essential parts of the human diet. Both foods contain nutrients that reduce risks of mortality, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (1). They also provide mental health benefits, with studies linking higher intake to lower anxiety and depression symptoms. However, these foods are vulnerable to contamination from pesticides, toxins, and harmful microorganisms, necessitating reliable detection methods (1). A recent review article highlights surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a promising solution for enhancing food safety. SERS, by amplifying Raman scattering, detects contaminants at low concentrations through direct and indirect modes (1). Its sensitivity and effectiveness in identifying both chemical and microbial hazards make it valuable, though limitations in substrate reproducibility and portability remain (1). Advances in these areas could make SERS pivotal in large-scale food safety applications.

How Raman Spectroscopy is Advancing Sustainable Farming Practices

Raman spectroscopy is gaining recognition in digital agriculture for its non-destructive, real-time analysis capabilities, allowing for precise crop monitoring and stress diagnosis. Aneta and Bogdan Saletnik’s review in Sustainability emphasizes how Raman spectroscopy bridges laboratory insights with practical farming, enhancing productivity and resource use (2). It enables in-situ, species-independent monitoring, aiding in early detection of both biotic and abiotic stresses, which can reduce reliance on chemical treatments (2). Although promising for improving crop quality and economic gains, the technology faces challenges in translating data into actionable insights for farmers (2). Continued research and collaboration are vital for its broader adoption in precision agriculture.

Using Raman and UV-vis Spectroscopy with Multivariate Regression Analysis to Improve Quality Control of Over-the-Counter Medications

A new study by Sayo O. Fakayode and colleagues addresses the issue of counterfeit over-the-counter medications (OTCMs), especially in flavored oral syrups, through advanced quality control methods. Published in Spectrochimica Acta Part A, the research uses Raman and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression to quantify active ingredients like acetaminophen and guaifenesin accurately (3). This method provides rapid, extraction-free analysis, detecting low concentrations of ingredients with high accuracy (3). It offers a scalable solution for manufacturers and regulators to ensure product authenticity and improve OTCM safety by enabling efficient in-situ testing.

Using Raman Spectroscopy in Biomedical and Biological Research

Raman spectroscopy is gaining prominence in scientific and medical fields because it can offer detailed molecular insights non-destructively. In this review article from Elvin and Suleyman Allakhverdiev, they highlight Raman’s applications in cancer diagnosis, surgical precision, and microbiology, particularly in distinguishing diseased tissue and identifying microorganisms (4). They also discuss how Raman spectroscopy supports pharmacological research by analyzing drug structures and microRNA roles in gene regulation (4). Despite its promise, challenges remain because of the technique's need for advanced equipment and expertise. The authors suggest that interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in instrumentation could make Raman spectroscopy more accessible and widely adopted (4).

Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Calibration Analysis Model in Predicting Rice Starch Digestibility

A study led by Junya Ichinose at the RIKEN Center (short for "Rikagaku Kenkyusho" or Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) has shown that Raman scattering spectroscopy can accurately predict rice digestibility by analyzing its molecular structure. Using Raman spectroscopy and partial least squares (PLS) regression, the team developed a model with a high coefficient of determination related to accuracy (R² = 0.95), significantly aiding digestibility prediction for specific rice cultivars (5). Although variations among cultivars and environmental factors affect accuracy, tailored models could optimize rice quality, enhancing processing for different dietary needs (5). This approach holds value for the food industry and agriculture, allowing improved rice quality and digestibility based on targeted cultivation methods.

References

1. Wetzel, W. New Raman Spectroscopy Techniques Promise Safer Produce. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-raman-spectroscopy-techniques-promise-safer-produce (accessed 2024-10-25).
2. Wetzel, W. How Raman Spectroscopy is Advancing Sustainable Farming Practices. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/how-raman-spectroscopy-is-advancing-sustainable-farming-practices (accessed 2024-10-25).
3. Wetzel, W. Using Raman and UV-vis Spectroscopy with Multivariate Regression Analysis to Improve Quality Control of Over-the-Counter Medications. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-raman-and-uv-vis-spectroscopy-with-multivariate-regression-analysis-to-improve-quality-control-of-over-the-counter-medications (accessed 2024-10-25).
4. Wetzel, W. Using Raman Spectroscopy in Biomedical and Biological Research. Spectroscopy 2024, 39 (7), 38. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-raman-spectroscopy-in-biomedical-and-biological-research
5. Wetzel, W. Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Calibration Analysis Model in Predicting Rice Starch Digestibility. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/raman-spectroscopy-and-multivariate-calibration-analysis-model-in-predicting-rice-starch-digestibility (accessed 2024-10-25).